Tractor Supply Company Names New Senior VP

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Tractor Supply Company, the largest rural lifestyle retail store chain in the United States, announced that Kurt D. Barton has been promoted to senior vice president, chief financial officer and treasurer in line with the company’s management transition plan announced last July.  Barton succeeds Anthony F. Crudele, who retired after serving as the company’s chief financial officer for the past 11 years. As part of the planned succession, Crudele and Barton have worked together over the last seven months to ensure a smooth transition of all responsibilities.

Barton first joined Tractor Supply in 1999 and was promoted to senior vice president, controller earlier this year. He had served as the company’s vice president, controller since 2009. Barton also served as director, Internal Audit from 2002 to 2009 and held other leadership roles in accounting during his tenure with the company. Barton has had direct responsibility for the company’s accounting, financial reporting, tax, purchasing, master data management, accounts payable and inventory control functions and has been an integral part of the Company’s corporate finance and strategy team. Barton, a certified public accountant, began his career in public accounting in 1993, spending six years at Ernst & Young, LLP.

Bob Volke has been promoted to the position of vice president, controller, effective immediately. Volke joined Tractor Supply in April 2007 and has served as the company’s vice president, Accounting since February 2014. Volke’s expanded responsibilities include the company’s general accounting and financial reporting, as well as operations accounting and non-merchandise purchasing functions. Volke served as director of accounting from 2009 to 2014 and has worked directly for Barton over the last eight years. A certified public accountant, Volke has more than 30 years of accounting experience in the manufacturing, financial services and publishing industries.

“On behalf of Tractor Supply, I would like to thank Tony for his many contributions to the company over the last 11 years,” Chief Executive Officer Greg Sandfort said. “We wish Tony the very best in his retirement and are excited to have Kurt Barton take the helm as Tony’s planned successor. Kurt has been with Tractor Supply for 18 years and is a talented financial leader with a deep understanding of the business and track record of success. I congratulate Kurt on his promotion and look forward to continuing our work together.

“I would also like to congratulate Bob on his well-deserved promotion to vice president, Controller,” Sandfort continued. “Bob has worked alongside Kurt for several years and has been an important part of our finance team, with a passion for our business and dedication to our continued growth. I am both confident and excited about the team we have in place to continue to move our business forward.”