Cargill has named Brian Sikes as the company’s president and CEO effective Jan. 1, 2023. Current CEO Dave MacLennan will assume the role of Executive Chair of Cargill’s Board of Directors.
Sikes is a veteran of Cargill’s protein businesses and is currently serving as Chief Operating Officer. A 31-year Cargill veteran, Sikes becomes just the 10th CEO in Cargill’s 157-year history.
In a statement, Cargill said Sikes brings a strong track record of business operational rigor to the role, having grown the company’s global protein and salt enterprise into an industry leader.
With broad experience across multiple businesses, cycles and geographies, Sikes held leadership roles in the U.S., Canada and Europe, and served as the head of the company’s Talent Center of Expertise. His relentless focus on people and culture, customers, and proven expertise in leading growth and transformation have earned him the trust and respect of Cargill’s customers, employees and the Board.
“As Cargill continues to navigate dynamic global markets, both operational excellence and a clearly articulated vision driven by purpose and values will define the company’s success, and there is no better person than Brian to lead Cargill,” said MacLennan. “He’s a person of action and results, with a relentless passion for serving our customers and our people. Brian has the qualities we value in a strong leader—integrity, empathy, resilience and authenticity. Under his leadership, I am confident the best days for Cargill, and its greatest contributions, lie ahead.”
“I am honored to succeed Dave as Cargill’s President and CEO,” said Sikes. “Under his visionary leadership, Cargill has a solid foundation, business model and culture that positions us for long-term success. Our 160,000 employees across Cargill are the best in the industry. Together, we will grow with customers, strengthen our core and thoughtfully target new markets to ensure we are a reliable, sustainable partner for our customers –today and in the future.”
During nine years as CEO, MacLennan served in multiple executive roles, helping achieve outstanding financial results while helping feed millions of families and building community resilience in more than 125 countries worldwide, the company statement said.
