Tyson Foods Announces Proven New Team to Lead the Way Forward

Enhanced Structure Positions the Company for Growth by Elevating Focus on Consumers, Customers, Technology and Sustainability

Leaders to Report Directly to President and CEO Tom Hayes

SPRINGDALE, Ark., Feb. 14, 2017 -- After the most successful quarter in company history, Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE:TSN) continues to shape a bright future as one of the world’s largest food companies. Today, the company unveiled a proven, new enterprise leadership team to propel the company forward and accelerate growth. The talented new team brings together deep and diverse experience, and establishes leading capabilities for Tyson Foods along the entire food value chain, from agriculture to dining culture.

Tyson Foods’ new senior leadership team will increase focus on consumers, customers, technology and sustainability. Clear priority and accountability in these four areas, coupled with a structure designed for collaboration and agile decision-making, position the company for continued success in a changing market.  

Members of the new leadership team, who will report to President and CEO Tom Hayes, include:

• Sally Grimes, President, North American Retail
• Andy Callahan, President, North American Foodservice & International
• Noel White, Chief Operations Officer
• Monica McGurk, Chief Growth Officer
• Dennis Leatherby, Chief Financial Officer
• OPEN, Chief Sustainability Officer
• Scott Rouse, Chief Customer Officer
• David Van Bebber, General Counsel
• Devin Graham [Interim], Chief Technology Officer
• Mary Oleksiuk, Chief Human Resources Officer

In connection with these appointments, Tyson Foods announced the departure of Donnie King, President North American Operations; Sara Lilygren, Executive Vice President Corporate Affairs; and Gary Cooper, Chief Information Officer. These departures will be effective over a period of months to allow sufficient time for a seamless transition.

“Today’s announcement underscores our commitment to having the best possible management team in place, which will be crucial to achieving our objectives and continued excellence,” said Hayes. “On behalf of the Board and management, I would like to thank Donnie, Sara and Gary for their hard work and meaningful contributions to Tyson Foods. As a result of their efforts, we are well positioned to execute against our priorities and realize long-term value for our stakeholders. We wish them well.”

Hayes added, “These important changes better align our management structure to our purpose and strategy. This new structure and will facilitate efficiency and growth, as well as lay the foundation for strong leadership and management continuity. I’m deeply proud that we were able to fill most of these roles from within, tapping the abundance of talent and dedication we have here at Tyson Foods.”

About Tyson Foods, Inc.
Tyson Foods, Inc., with headquarters in Springdale, Arkansas, is one of the world's largest food companies with leading brands such as Tyson^®, Jimmy Dean^®, Hillshire Farm^®, Sara Lee^®, Ball Park^®, Wright^®, Aidells^® and State Fair^®. It’s a recognized market leader in chicken, beef and pork as well as prepared foods, including bacon, breakfast sausage, turkey, lunchmeat, hot dogs, pizza crusts and toppings, tortillas and desserts. The company supplies retail and foodservice customers throughout the United States and approximately 115 countries. Tyson Foods was founded in 1935 by John W. Tyson, whose family has continued to lead the business with his son, Don Tyson, guiding the company for many years and grandson, John H. Tyson, serving as the current chairman of the board of directors. At October 1, 2016, the company had approximately 114,000 Team Members employed at more than 400 facilities and offices in the United States and around the world. Through its Core Values, Code of Conduct and Team Member Bill of Rights, Tyson Foods strives to operate with integrity and trust and is committed to creating value for its shareholders, customers and Team Members. The company also strives to be faith-friendly, provide a safe work environment and serve as stewards of the animals, land and environment entrusted to it.

Contact: Gary Mickelson, 479-290-6111, [email protected]