Hormel Foods Corp., Austin, Minn., names James Snee president and COO, effective Oct. 26, succeeding Jeff Ettinger, who has served as president since 2004. Ettinger will continue to serve as the company’s chairman and CEO.
In his new role, Snee will oversee all of the company’s business segments and global operations including Grocery Products, Refrigerated Foods, Specialty Foods, Jennie-O Turkey Store and International, and will continue to report to Ettinger. Corporate administrative functions including finance, mergers and acquisitions, legal, research and development, supply chain, and human resources will continue to report to Ettinger.
Snee will be only the 10th president in the company’s nearly 125-year history. As group vice president of Hormel Foods and president of Hormel Foods International, Snee led the company’s international segment, which encompasses more than 50 countries outside the U.S.
“Jim’s vast experience in both our core businesses and our emerging growth markets internationally position him exceptionally well to take on the additional responsibilities of president and chief operating officer,” says Ettinger. “Jim is a strong leader and has my confidence and the trust of our board. Under Jim’s direction, the international segment has delivered double-digit sales and earnings growth, expanded its global footprint, and driven impressive growth of our operations in China.”
Adds Snee, “I understand the incredible legacy of Hormel Foods, and equally as important, I understand our imperatives for growth. The last few years have been exciting for our company as we completed several acquisitions, including the Skippy brand, CytoSport Holdings and Applegate Farms, adding to our diverse and exciting portfolio of brands. I am excited to partner with Jeff, our senior leadership team, and all of our employees around the world, to continue our journey of innovation and growth.”
Additionally, Hormel announced four other appointments:
- Larry L. Vorpahl, group vice president and president of consumer product sales, will assume the position of group vice president and president of Hormel Foods International.
- Deanna T. Brady, group vice president, foodservice, has been appointed to the position of group vice president and president of consumer product sales.
- Jeffrey R. Baker, vice president of marketing, foodservice, will advance to group vice president, foodservice.
- David F. Weber, president of Burke Corporation, has been promoted to vice president of marketing, foodservice.
