Jim Frank named Litehouse CEO, president

SANDPOINT — Litehouse, Inc., has a new president and chief executive officer.

The company’s president since June 2008, Jim Frank was appointed chief executive officer at the company’s recent Christmas party. He will continue in his role as president of Litehouse.

Edward Hawkins Jr., after leading the company as CEO for over a quarter of a century and one of the founding owners, said he was extremely pleased by Frank’s acceptance of the position.

“As my brother Doug and I have been transitioning out of the day-to-day business of the company, it was important to find someone who shares our values, our commitment to our employees and commitment to the communities in which we serve, while maintaining the passion to provide the highest quality products and service that Litehouse has become known for,” Hawkins said.

With the past two years as president, his wealth of industry knowledge and his hands on experience, Frank is very qualified for this appointment., said Hawkins.

“The board of directors and I look forward to working with Jim and we are excited about the immediate impact and support he can provide for our strategic initiatives and future growth,” he added.

Before his appointment to president, Frank served first as national director of sales and then vice president of sales and marketing. He joined Litehouse in 2006 with 26 years of experience at Albertsons starting as a grocery clerk during high school. Frank was produce sales manager in the Northwest, Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Utah and Boise before ending his Albertsons career as director of fresh merchandising in Boise.

Frank said he is looking forward to the challenge.

“Litehouse is such an amazing organization with an incredible workforce and management team,” he said. “The employee owners of Litehouse, guided by the principles in which we conduct ourselves and our business, positions us very well to deliver on our aggressive growth goals, innovation of new products and processes, and delivering our brand-building objectives.”

Frank praised the leadership and example set by Edward Hawkins.

“Edward Hawkins has left a legacy in this organization of values and passion that will carry on for decades,” Frank said. “Edward has lead this company for over 25 years and has left an indelible mark on Litehouse.”