Insights

In the United States, Hormel Foods Corporation, renowned for its food products, recently made significant leadership changes. Jim Snee, who has served as the President and CEO, is set to step down from both positions on July 14, 2025. This decision comes after a planned succession process initiated earlier in the year, when Snee announced his retirement. To fill the leadership void left by Snee, the company’s board of directors appointed John Ghingo as the new president. Ghingo currently holds the position of executive vice president for retail and will also join the board of directors on the same day. His elevation marks a notable point in Hormel’s nearly 135-year history, as he will become the 11th president of the company. With almost three decades of experience at Hormel, Ghingo expressed his gratitude toward the board for trusting him with this significant role. He emphasized the honor of leading such a dedicated team and recognized the company’s strong culture built around integrity and passion for work. Furthermore, Jeffrey M. Ettinger will step in as the interim CEO for a period of 15 months. Ettinger, who previously served as president and CEO from 2005 until 2016 and is now the chairman of the Hormel Foundation, is returning to helm the company temporarily. He has a long-standing relationship with Hormel, holding nearly 30 years of experience within the organization. Ettinger expressed his commitment to supporting Ghingo and the team as they work to uphold and expand Hormel’s impact in the food industry. Hormel Foods embarked on the search for Snee's successor in January 2025, underscoring a structured approach to leadership transitions within the company. Snee will continue to provide strategic advisory support until March 2027. This careful transition exemplifies Hormel’s commitment to maintaining strong governance and continuity within the organization as it navigates the changing landscape of the food industry.