Truck stop chain makes leadership changes

Updated Jul 31, 2020

Pilot Company announced recently that Jimmy Haslam will transition out of his role as CEO of the company and become the chairman of the board on Jan. 1, 2021. The company will name its current chief strategy officer, Shameek Konar, as CEO at that time. Pilot founder James Haslam, Jimmy’s dad, will become chairman emeritus.

Konar first joined Pilot in 2017 and helped launch the Pilot Energy business. He has a degree in Economics and Mathematics from St. Stephens College in India and a PhD in Economics and Finance from Vanderbilt University.

Shameek Konar (right) will take over as CEO of Pilot Company in January, while Jimmy Haslam (left) will transition to the chairman role.Shameek Konar (right) will take over as CEO of Pilot Company in January, while Jimmy Haslam (left) will transition to the chairman role.

“Since day one with Pilot in 2017, Shameek has shown his dedication to advancing our company and the industry,” said Jimmy Haslam, current CEO of Pilot Company. “Shameek has successfully launched and grown our Pilot Energy business and become a key member of our leadership team. His knowledge of the energy sector, including expertise in the acquisition, development and operations of infrastructure assets and resources, and his deep appreciation of Pilot’s culture and values are a few of the reasons why we chose him to be our next CEO. We have full confidence that Shameek will continue to grow the legacy of our family’s business.”

As part of the restructuring, Pilot President Ken Parent will become senior advisor to the CEO and the chairman, providing guidance on strategy and key priorities for the company.Konar first joined Pilot in 2017 and helped launch the Pilot Energy business.

In 2021 and beyond, the Haslam family will continue to be involved. In addition to James and Jimmy’s roles, Whitney Haslam Johnson, Jimmy’s daughter, will continue to serve as chief experience officer and member of the board, and Bill Haslam, Jimmy’s brother and former governor of Tennessee will serve on the board.