NAPERVILLE, Ill. -- Karl E. Goodhouse, founder and chief executive of Clark Brands LLC, has died at age 57 after a brief battle with cancer, the company said in a press statement.
As reported in a Morgan Keegan/CSP Daily News Flash yesterday, Goodhouse, Clark's original chief executive, recently urged Clark's board to search for a suitable replacement and the company has begun a search for a new CEO.
As president and CEO, Goodhouse was responsible for the overall direction of Clark Brands over the last eight years. He took on the duties of guiding all sales and marketing efforts for Clark as well.
"Karl demonstrated a unique vision and adept leadership during his tenure at Clark," said Paul Melnuk, chairman of the board for Clark Brands. "In an industry that has changed dramatically, Karl consistently and clearly expressed Clark's mission--to create value for customers in every activity and provide outstanding service at every opportunity. These principles shape the culture of Clark Brands and are the legacy Karl left with us."
Stacey Yimet, vice president, chief financial officer and chief operating officer of Clark Brands, said, "Our team has been, and remains, energized by the passion with which Karl approached his role at Clark Brands. He will be missed by all of us at Clark and many of our customers, vendors and stakeholders with whom Karl had close relationships."
Added Melnuk: "Our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, Cynthia, and his family during this trying time. Our team has shown their depth and breadth while Karl was engaged in his battle with cancer, and we have confidence that the company will continue to grow and prosper while our search is conducted."
CSP sends condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.
Naperville, Ill.-based Clark Brands owns the Clark family of brands. The company licenses the Clark gasoline brand and the Four Corners Coffee brand to independent petroleum marketers and retailers. Clark also processes credit card and payments transactions for independent fuel stations in 30 states and the District of Columbia.
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