Tom Hayes, chief commercial officer of Tyson Foods, was promoted in June to president. In that title, he replaces Donnie Smith, who will continue as the company’s CEO.
Prior to being chief commercial officer, Hayes was president of foodservice at Tyson. Previously, he was chief supply chain officer for The Hillshire Brands Co., responsible for operations including procurement, manufacturing, food safety and quality, engineering, and logistics. Tyson acquired Hillshire in mid-2014. Before that, he was senior vice president and chief supply chain officer for Hillshire predecessor Sara Lee North America.
Earlier still, he worked for US Foodservice, ConAgra Foods, The Fort James Corp., Stella Foods and Kraft Foods.
Tyson said Haynes will lead a "transition reflecting the company’s strategic focus on its hybrid model of branded prepared foods and fresh meats." Hayes will be based in Springdale, Ark.
