Tyson Names New President, CEO
Tyson Foods Inc., has named Noel White its new president and CEO, effective Sept. 30. White was formerly the company’s group president of beef, pork and International and a member of its enterprise leadership team.
White succeeds Tom Hayes, CEO since just late 2016, who is stepping down for “personal reasons,” Tyson said in a statement.
John Tyson, chairman of Tyson’s board of directors, said “Noel is a proven leader who has played an integral role in our enterprise leadership team for many years. He has run our beef, pork, and poultry businesses and is now helping Tyson Foods capitalize on international opportunities.”
White said he was "honored" to be named CEO, adding that "with the company’s strong portfolio of fast-growing brands, diverse capabilities, exceptional enterprise leadership team and dedicated team members, we are well-positioned for continued success."
Tyson is the largest meat processing company in North America, with seven beef plants, six pork plants and 37 chicken facilities employing about 122,000 workers in the U.S.
Hayes – who succeeded Donnie Smith as CEO of Tyson in late 2016 – said “It has been a privilege to contribute to this company’s evolution over the course of many years and to be part of its becoming one of the world’s largest food companies.” Hayes added that his decision to step down followed careful consideration and discussions with his family and the Tyson board.
