Adam Wright will join Pilot Company as Chief Executive Officer and Joe Lillo will become Chief Financial Officer, each officially taking their positions May 30. Their appointments come just more than two months following Berkshire Hathaway's majority ownership of Pilot Company. Shameek Konar and Kevin Wills will leave their respective positions after supporting the transition.
Berkshire Hathaway purchased 38.6% of Pilot Flying J in October 2017. As part of that deal, Berkshire would become the majority shareholder in 2023 by acquiring an additional 41.4% stake. Berkshire Hathaway became majority owners of Pilot Company Jan. 31
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The Haslam family retains 20% ownership and James A. Haslam II, founder of Pilot Company, and James A. "Jimmy" Haslam III remain members of the Board. Pilot Company will remain headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Wright joined Berkshire Hathaway in 1996 and has served in various executive management roles in the energy sector including most recently serving as Executive Vice President of Operations and Chief Operating Officer for one of the nation’s largest combined natural gas and electric providers.
Lillo has been part of the Berkshire Hathaway Energy family of businesses for more than 25 years and has expertise in enhancing financial controls, managing risk and driving responsible value creation.
"Pilot Company has become one of the most future-forward companies in our industry. Adam’s energy expertise, leadership, and focus on customer satisfaction will help ensure Pilot Company remains a pillar of North America’s transportation ecosystem for decades to come,” said Greg Abel, Vice Chair, Non-Insurance Operations for Berkshire Hathaway. “From the beginning of our journey together, Berkshire Hathaway recognized Pilot Company as a strong business that was well-positioned for the long term and was backed by an innovative and hardworking team. I am confident Adam and Joe have a solid platform from which to propel the company forward.”
As the nation’s largest travel center network, Pilot Company has continued to expand its footprint and prepare for the future of travel, including an investment of $1B in its New Horizons store modernization initiative and installing a coast-to-coast network of EV fast-chargers at many of its locations across the country.
“It's an honor to join the Pilot family and to lead such an influential company that has fueled millions of journeys over the past 65 years,” said Wright. “Pilot remains focused on meeting the unique needs of our pro drivers, fleets, guests, and Team Members while advancing a strong company strategy that positions us for the future.”
