USA: Executives Retire In Justin Boots Reshuffle

In keeping with the strategic plan of Justin Industries, Acme Building Brands and Justin Brands will operate independently under Berkshire Hathaway. As a result, the Justin corporate office is being integrated into the two operating divisions and two long-term Justin Industries executives plan to retire.J.T. Dickenson, president and chief executive officer of Justin Industries, and Richard Savitz, senior vice president and chief financial officer, plan to retire on October 1, 2000. Harrold Melton, chief executive officer of Acme Building Brands, and Randy Watson, chief executive officer of Justin Brands, will head the two operating subsidiaries. Both executives will report directly to Warren Buffett, chairman of Berkshire Hathaway.J.T. Dickenson served Justin for 26 years. Mr Dickenson was elected president and COO of Justin Industries in 1991 and added the title of CEO in April 1999. He became a member of the board of directors of Justin Industries in 1991. He started his career as general production manager of Justin Boots in 1974 and progressed to personnel manager of Acme Brick. He served as president of Justin Boot Company before joining the corporate office.Rick Savitz has served the company since 1979 when he joined as controller. He was elected vice president of the company in 1986 and has been chief financial officer since 1987. In April 1999, Mr Savitz was named senior vice president.