Mills Fleet Farm has appointed Derick Prelle as president and chief executive officer, succeeding Wayne Sales, who has been serving as interim CEO since January.
Prelle joins Mills Fleet Farm from KKR Capstone where, as managing partner, Americas, he ran the company’s retail and consumer operations group over the past decade. KKR acquired Mills Fleet Farm in 2016. Previously, Prelle was an associate partner in McKinsey & Company’s retail and consumer practice. In these two capacities, he has led transformation efforts at companies including Dollar General, National Vision, Del Monte, Big Heart Pet, Channel Control Merchants and several other retail and consumer goods companies, the company said.
“Every day since I first started working with Mills Fleet Farm over a year ago, I’ve found myself continuing to be more and more excited to be a part of the Mills Fleet Farm story— one of an authentic brand, an incredibly differentiated concept, an exceptional leadership team and customer loyalty that spans generations,” said Prelle. “I am both honored and humbled to have the opportunity to lead such a special company, and appreciate the responsibility that comes with carrying and building upon the legacy Mills Fleet Farm has built over more than 60 years.”
The company operates 36 stores located throughout Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa and North Dakota.