| By Big Radio News Staff |

Blain’s Farm & Fleet will remain owned by Janesville’s Blain family.

But Jane Blain Gilbertson, the daughter of the Farm & Fleet co-founder Bert Blain, is stepping aside as the retail chain’s CEO.

Farm & Fleet announced the move this week, saying Mark Hasting is being named as CEO in a succession plan. Farm & Fleet hired Hasting as its Chief of Stores, and head of eCommerce and new store construction.

Blain Gilbertson says Farm & Fleet has groomed Hasting to be the next CEO.

Blain Gilbertson remains chair of Farm & Fleet’s board and is the sole owner of the company’s 45-store operation.

Nicole Gilbertson, Blain Gilbertson’s daughter, says Hasting fits the role of Farm & Fleet CEO. She calls Hasting’s promotion, and her mother stepping into a leadership role on the company’s board, “excellent balance and symmetry.”