August 16, 1999 - Bob Evans CEO to Step Down

by Ken Kizner

Daniel E. Evans, the second-generation leader of the company that bears his family's name, will step down as CEO of Bob Evans Farms Inc. effective April 29, 2000--the end of the company's fiscal year 2000. Stewart K. Owens, president and chief operating officer of the Columbus, Ohio-based company, will succeed Evans as CEO and is expected to become chairman of the board in April 2001.

Evans, 62, will continue as chairman of the board through April 2001 and, if nominated and elected, as a board member until age 70, the company's mandatory retirement age for directors.

Evans will step down just as the company is expected to achieve his goal of reaching $1 billion in sales. Figures indicate Bob Evans will reach that figure at the end of fiscal year 2000, according to the company. It was a goal that Evans predicted during an interview with MM&T in 1995. Sales were at $16 million when Evans took the helm in 1971, succeeding his father Emerson.

Owens, 44, joined Bob Evans after his family's business, Owens Country Sausage, was acquired by Bob Evans Farms in 1987. Owens has been president and chief operating officer since 1995.

"[Owens'] leadership has been valuable in the revitalization of our restaurant operations during the past few years," Evans said. "The board of directors and I agree that he is the best choice to keep the company going forward."

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