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Hormel Foods has announced the upcoming retirements of two key executives, Mark Morey and Paul Peil, as part of its ongoing strategic evolution.

This transition comes as the company continues to reinforce its commitment to quality and innovation in its fresh pork and ready-to-eat meat segments.

Mark Morey, who has been with Hormel for over three decades, currently serves as vice president of operations for fresh pork. His extensive career at Hormel has seen him take on various leadership roles, contributing significantly to the company’s operational excellence and customer-centric approach.

Jeff Ettinger, interim CEO, praised Morey’s impact, said: “His customer focus, operational discipline, and commitment to continuous improvement have strengthened our fresh pork business”.

Paul Peil, vice president of marketing for fresh and ready meats, is also retiring after a distinguished 36-year career with Hormel. Peil has played a pivotal role in advancing the company’s marketing strategies and enhancing customer relationships throughout his tenure.

Ettinger noted: “Paul's leadership has been instrumental in driving team performance and positioning our brands for growth”.

The departures of Morey and Peil signal a significant moment for Hormel Foods as it looks to build on the strong foundations they have established. Their leadership has guided the fresh pork and ready meats divisions through periods of growth and transformation, setting the stage for the company’s future initiatives.

As Hormel prepares for these transitions, it remains focused on innovation within its product offerings. The company recently introduced new flavours and products, including a variety of fresh and ready-to-eat meats, aligning with evolving consumer preferences for convenience and quality.

Hormel Foods, with approximately $12 billion in annual revenue, operates in over 80 countries and is known for its diverse portfolio of iconic brands, including SPAM, Jennie-O and Applegate.

The company’s commitment to quality and sustainability continues to drive its operations, ensuring that it meets the demands of today’s health-conscious consumers.