ABBEVILLE, Ala. (WDNews) – Great Southern Wood Preserving has announced a major leadership change as longtime executive Mark Callender is being elevated to President and Chief Executive Officer.
Founder and Chairman of the Board Jimmy Rane confirmed the move Friday, saying Callender, a 34-year veteran of the company, will now oversee day-to-day operations. Rane will continue serving as board chairman.
“Our leadership team has known for some time that Mark would be our next president and CEO, and I’m excited to formally make that announcement today,” Rane said.
“Mark’s taking on the day-to-day duties of president and CEO will give me more time to focus on several initiatives that are important to our board of directors and our long-term growth,” he added. “Mark is highly respected both in the industry and within our organization and is uniquely qualified to lead the next phase of our strategic growth plan.”
Callender began his career with Great Southern in 1991 as an inside sales representative at the company’s Bushnell, Florida, location. He later served as sales manager and general manager before moving into executive leadership in 2007. For the past 18 years, he has been the company’s chief operating officer.
“Clearly, there’s no replacing Jimmy and what he has accomplished at Great Southern,” Callender said.
