# Christopher Atayan

> Christopher H. Atayan is AMCON Distributing Company’s chairman and chief executive officer, an Omaha-based executive whose career spans investment banking, corporate turnarounds and convenience distribution. A Slusser Associates co-founder and former Bronxville school trustee, he joined AMCON’s board in 2004, became CEO in 2006 and chairman in 2008. His tenure includes a financial turnaround and expansion through regional distributors including Henry’s Foods, Richmond Master Distributors and Arrowrock Supply.

- **Role:** Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at AMCON Distributing Company
- **Organizations:** AMCON Distributing Company, Slusser Associates, Inc., Magellan Value Partners, Eastek Holdings, LLC, Bronxville Board of Education, Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, PaineWebber
- **Education:** BBA in Finance, Investment and Banking, and Economics; graduated with distinction, University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Chicago Graduate School of Business
- **Known for:** Led AMCON during its financial turnaround following the 2006 crisis; the business recorded record profitability in 2008 and 2009., AMCON’s turnaround received the Chicago/Midwest TMA midsize-company recognition presented in May 2009., Named a 2009 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year finalist in his Magellan Value Partners biography.

## Career timeline

- **1982** — Graduated from Wisconsin and began his career in Morgan Stanley’s Mergers and Acquisitions Department.
- **1980s** — Worked in equity sales and trading at Goldman Sachs at the CBOE, then in high-yield finance and leveraged buyouts at PaineWebber.
- **1988-2020** — Co-founder and senior managing director of Slusser Associates.
- **2004** — Joined AMCON’s board.
- **2006-03** — Became AMCON chief corporate officer and vice chairman.
- **2006-10** — Became AMCON chief executive officer.
- **2008-01** — Became AMCON chairman.
- **2009** — Participated in AMCON’s turnaround recognition and made a substantial personal investment in AMCON.
- **2009-2015** — Served on Bronxville’s Board of Education.
- **2023** — AMCON acquired Henry’s Foods.
- **2024** — AMCON acquired Burklund and Richmond Master Distributors.
- **2025-01** — AMCON completed its Arrowrock Supply acquisition.
- **2026-09** — Appeared on NYSE Floor Talk to discuss service culture and retailer support.

## Achievements

- Led AMCON during its financial turnaround following the 2006 crisis; the business recorded record profitability in 2008 and 2009.
- AMCON’s turnaround received the Chicago/Midwest TMA midsize-company recognition presented in May 2009.
- Named a 2009 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year finalist in his Magellan Value Partners biography.
- Oversaw expansion through Henry’s Foods, Burklund, Richmond Master Distributors and Arrowrock Supply.
- Co-founded Slusser Associates in 1988.

## Latest updates

- **2026-09** — NYSE Floor Talk interview published September 11: Atayan discussed retailer partnerships, merchandising, technology and a network serving 8,500 customers in 35 states.
- **2026-08** — AMCON announced a NYSE Texas dual listing effective August 13, retaining its primary NYSE American listing and DIT ticker.
- **2026-08** — AMCON reported $2.7 million in net income available to common shareholders for the June quarter; operating results included a $1.8 million gain on real-estate sales.

## Links

- Website: https://amcon.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-atayan

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/christopher-atayan
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-24