Longtime Houchens Industries CEO announces retirement

BOWLING GREEN, Ky.- The longtime CEO and Chairman of Houchens Industries in Bowling Green has announced he’s retiring.

After nearly 55 years with the company, Jimmie Gipson is retiring March 31.

Gipson started his career at Houchens Industries in 1965 and became CEO in 1993.

During his tenure, Houchens Industries has grown from a regional retail grocery company to a multi-billion dollar conglomerate.

Today, Houchens is one of the largest 100% employee held companies in the world and employs more than 16,000 people.

“I’m glad to have worked with so many bright people who are dedicated to our company,” Gipson told WNKY. “We’ve been very fortunate to work with those people. That made life more enjoyable.”

The board of directors has named Vice President Dion Houchins as Gipson’s successor.