Mills Fleet Farm names a new CEO

Mills Fleet Farm has officially been acquired by global investment firm KKR, and it's got a new chief executive to show for it.

Effective upon the transaction close, former Wal-Mart chief merchandising and marketing officer Duncan Mac Naughton, will take over as CEO.

“I am honored to lead Mills Fleet Farm, a true legacy brand in the Midwest and one that I have grown up with since my early days in Wisconsin,” said Mac Naughton. “In partnership with the executive management team and KKR, I look forward to furthering the opportunities for growth that lie ahead for Mills Fleet Farm and continuing to invest significantly in the business, adding infrastructure, stores, and local jobs.”

Mac Naughton has more than 30 years of experience in the retail sector. He first joined Wal-Mart in 2009, where he soon oversaw all merchandise categories across more than 3,700 stores in the U.S. He has also held a number of leadership roles at SUPERVALU INC., Alberton’s, H-E-B Grocery Company and Kraft Foods Group, Inc.

Additionally, current Mills Fleet Farm executive Hugh Leasum will assume the role of COO.

The rest of Mills Fleet Farm’s existing executive management team will continue to perform their roles and manage the business.

“Mills Fleet Farm is a beloved Midwest retailer that has upheld the Mills family principles over the last 60 years,” said Leasum. “We are excited to welcome Duncan back to his native Wisconsin and to the Mills Fleet Farm team. We are confident that Duncan Mac Naughton, in partnership with the outstanding executive team already in place, will drive the company's continued growth, while preserving the Mills’ values of honesty, integrity, hard work, service and loyalty."