Kenco Governance Continues With Next Generation of Founding Families

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — May 12, 2011 (James Street Media Services)—Kenco, a leading provider of integrated logistics solutions, real estate services, and material handling equipment, has announced that Jane Kennedy Greene has purchased controlling interest in the Kenco family of companies, and is now Chairman of the Board and CEO.

“I’ve grown up with Kenco,” Greene said. “and I’m honored to lead this amazing team of dedicated people who—every day—demonstrate the meaning of quality.” Greene is the daughter of Jim Kennedy, Jr. who will continue to serve on the Board along with Sam Smartt, Jr.

“I have always known that proper succession planning would be the key to Kenco’s continued stability,” said Mr. Kennedy. “Jane brings business acumen as well as steadfast loyalty to the professionals that keep Kenco moving forward.” Mrs. Greene received her MBA from Vanderbilt University in 1981.

Gary Mayfield has retired as CEO after 18 years with the company but has been asked to serve as a member of the Executive Committee and the Board of Directors. Mr. Mayfield has most recently presided as chairman of the International Warehouse and Logistics Association (IWLA).

Kenco was founded in 1950 by brothers-in-law Jim Kennedy, Jr. and Sam Smartt, Sr. in Chattanooga, Tenn. The company has grown into an industry-leading supply chain management services provider, specializing in integrated distribution solutions encompassing more than 100 operations in 30 states and Canada.

Supporting Greene will be Kenco’s professional management team, led by Shelia Crane, president. “Shelia brings level-headed business judgment with an understanding of all things Kenco.” Greene said. Mrs. Crane has been with the company for over 39 years.

Andy Smith has been named chief operating officer. Says Greene, “I look forward to many years of Andy’s insightful leadership and feel fortunate to have someone of his caliber in this position. Mr. Smith has been with Kenco for over 11 years and is active on several boards and associations in the industry.

Sam Smartt, Jr., who has been with Kenco for almost 30 years, has been named Dealer Principal for Toyota-Lift. As the next generation of the founding principals he, along with Mrs. Greene, bring the continuity of family ownership to the governance of Kenco.

Kenco Executive Management Appointments:


Jane Kennedy Greene, CEO and chairman of the board 


Shelia Crane, president


Andy Smith, COO*


Sam Smartt, Jr., Dealer Principal, Kenco Toyota-Lift



*Kenco Management Services will remain under the leadership of Scott Mayfield

Kenco Board of Directors:


Jane Kennedy Greene, chairman & CEO


Jim Kennedy, Jr., past chairman


Gary Mayfield, former CEO of Kenco


Shelia Crane, president


Sam Smartt, Jr.


About The Kenco Family of Companies


Over 60 years ago, Kenco opened its first warehouse facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Since then, Kenco has become an industry-leading provider of integrated logistics solutions including warehousing, transportation, real estate management and material handling equipment. The Kenco Family of Companies includes Kenco Logistic Services, Kenco Transportation, Kenco Toyota-Lift, Kenco Management Services, and JDK Real Estate. Learn more at www.kencogroup.com.