Amana Society names new president, CEO

The newly appointed president and chief executive officer of the Amana Society brings senior management experience to the organization.

Greg Luerkens is the former CEO of RUD Chain Inc., where he also served as vice president of operations and vice president of sales. Under his leadership, the company tripled sales revenue throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Luerkens also served on the executive board at Laclede Chain Manufacturing Co.

Luerkens, who will join the Amana Society on Aug. 1, will succeed John Peterson, who will retire as president and CEO Sept. 1.

Peterson has served as the Amana Society's CEO since 2008. During his tenure, he led rebranding of the business, growth of the company's e-commerce business, expansion of its cattle and ancillary operations, and entered into strategic partnerships with major agricultural and related organizations.

Peterson more recently has been leading the redevelopment of the Amana Woolen Mill complex, including the construction of a new 65-room boutique hotel and 7,000-square-foot banquet and conference center.

The Amana Society, established in 1932, operates businesses that produce handcrafted furniture, woolen products, German foods, livestock, crops, energy and forest products, among other services.

The Amana Woolen Mill, Amana Meat Shop, Amana General Store and Amana Furniture and Clock Shop, once a part of the original immigrant lifestyle, continue as businesses within the Amana Society.