Jabil names new CEO, temporarily cuts California operations

St. Petersburg-based tech giant Jabil Inc. has named a new successor while the company is altering operations on the west coast. 

CEO and longtime executive Mark Mondello will be stepping down from the top post and Kenny Wilson will take the reins as the company’s new CEO on May 1, 2023, Jabil announced last week. 

Mondello, who has worked at Jabil for over 30 years, will continue to serve as executive chairman and will work closely with Wilson before he steps into Mondello’s shoes. 

Mark Mondello, current CEO of Jabil. Image: Jabil Inc.

“Mark’s commitment to Jabil, our employees and our investors has been resolute,” Steve Raymund, lead independent director, said in Jabil’s news release. “He embodies our value set here at Jabil and leads with passion and care. Furthermore, over the past two years, Mark has been fully transparent about his plans, allowing us the opportunity to work together to ensure a thorough succession plan, one that led to the selection of Kenny Wilson, a long-tenured and superbly prepared Jabil leader.”

Wilson joined Jabil in 2000 and most recently held the title of executive vice president, leading the Jabil Greenpoint Team. 

“The ethos of our company is all about our people and Kenny is a tremendous example of a tireless leader who possesses great followership throughout the company,” Mondello said, adding how Wilson has a strong track record from joining Jabil 22 years ago. 

In addition to the news of the change in leadership, Jabil is also planning on halting operations at its California plants. 

In late October, Jabil notified the Golden State’s Employment Development Department that it is laying off 1,364 California employees and temporarily closing six plants. 

The majority of the layoffs and plant closings will take place several days before Christmas and will continue into the first week of 2023, according to the Business Observer.

It’s unknown if all of the affected employees will return to the plants. 

Jabil representatives were unavailable to comment on the temporary closures and layoffs.