Chairman retakes CEO role at fast-growth firm

Sarasota-based Environmental Pest Service, one of the fastest-growing termite and pest control firms in the country, has changed CEOs.

George Pickhardt, chairman of the company who has been leader there for 44 years, was appointed interim CEO. He replaces Joe Finney, a former top executive at Sears Automotive Group, who was named CEO of EPS in early 2014. Finney, a significant driver of EPS's growth and success the past few years, according to a release, will remain on the firm's board. The company is searching for a permanent CEO, the release adds.

“I want to thank Joe Finney for his efforts and leadership,” Pickhardt says in a release. “He has laid the groundwork that will benefit our customers and company into the future.”