Winn-Dixie Board of Directors Chairman to Retire
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - After more than 35 years of service to Winn-Dixie, chairman A. Dano Davis will retire from the board of directors at the conclusion of his term on Oct. 20, Winn-Dixie said yesterday. H. Jay Skelton, president and c.e.o. of DDI, Inc., has been nominated to fill Davis's seat on the board. If elected by the company's shareholders, Skelton will serve as chairman of the board.
"On behalf of the entire company, I want to thank Dan for his significant contributions to Winn-Dixie," said president and c.e.o. Frank Lazaran in a statement. "He has served the company well, both as part of the senior management team and as chairman, and we wish him all the best as he begins this new chapter in his life. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work with Dan."
Lazaran continued: "We look forward to welcoming Jay to the bompany. He brings an extensive business background, tremendous leadership skills, and an in-depth understanding of Winn-Dixie. He will be a valuable contributor as we continue to make progress with our initiatives aimed at improving the company's competitive position."
Skelton, who serves as president and c.e.o. of DDI, Inc., a diversified holding company owned by the Davis family and based in Jacksonville, Fla., said he's looking forward to joining Winn-Dixie. "During my career I have followed the company closely and have become very familiar with its business and the challenges facing the industry. I am excited to work with the board and management to help Winn-Dixie improve its competitive position."
Prior to joining DDI, Skelton was the managing partner of KPMG Peat Marwick in Jacksonville for 10 years. He has also served as a director on the boards of Patriot Transportation Holding, Inc. and Consolidated-Tomoka Land Co.
Davis has served as a director of the Winn-Dixie Board since 1981 and was elected chairman in 1988. Additionally, from 1982 to November 1999 he served as principal executive officer of the company. Davis joined Winn-Dixie in 1968.
"On behalf of the entire company, I want to thank Dan for his significant contributions to Winn-Dixie," said president and c.e.o. Frank Lazaran in a statement. "He has served the company well, both as part of the senior management team and as chairman, and we wish him all the best as he begins this new chapter in his life. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work with Dan."
Lazaran continued: "We look forward to welcoming Jay to the bompany. He brings an extensive business background, tremendous leadership skills, and an in-depth understanding of Winn-Dixie. He will be a valuable contributor as we continue to make progress with our initiatives aimed at improving the company's competitive position."
Skelton, who serves as president and c.e.o. of DDI, Inc., a diversified holding company owned by the Davis family and based in Jacksonville, Fla., said he's looking forward to joining Winn-Dixie. "During my career I have followed the company closely and have become very familiar with its business and the challenges facing the industry. I am excited to work with the board and management to help Winn-Dixie improve its competitive position."
Prior to joining DDI, Skelton was the managing partner of KPMG Peat Marwick in Jacksonville for 10 years. He has also served as a director on the boards of Patriot Transportation Holding, Inc. and Consolidated-Tomoka Land Co.
Davis has served as a director of the Winn-Dixie Board since 1981 and was elected chairman in 1988. Additionally, from 1982 to November 1999 he served as principal executive officer of the company. Davis joined Winn-Dixie in 1968.