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Hormel Foods has announced that Scott Aakre, group vice president and chief marketing officer for retail, will retire at the end of the company’s fiscal 2025 after 35 years with the company.

Jeff Baker, group vice president of retail marketing for value-added meats, will assume the role of group vice president for retail marketing following Aakre’s retirement. Baker, a 35-year Hormel veteran, joined the company in 1990 and has held roles across sales, product management and marketing.

He was promoted to group vice president of foodservice in 2015, led the deli division from 2018, and took his current role in 2022.

Baker will oversee the company’s brand portfolio evolution to address changing consumer preferences, increase its presence in snacking and entertaining and drive growth in its food-forward products.

Aakre has joined Hormel Foods’ board of directors on Thursday 15 May, which allows the company to retain his expertise. He also serves on The Hormel Foundation board.

Jim Snee, Hormel Foods CEO, noted: "Scott has been a tremendous asset to our organisation, and we have been incredibly fortunate to benefit from his leadership, creativity and business expertise for over three decades".

He added: "Jeff is one of our most seasoned executives and has a strong track record of growth and a reputation for strategic thinking. I'm confident that under his guidance, our brands will continue to grow, evolve and stay closely connected to the needs of today's consumers."

Bill Newlands, chairman of the Hormel Foods' board, said Aakre’s marketing experience strengthens the company’s connection with consumers and praised his community involvement. The board will have 12 members following Aakre’s appointment.

Aakre expressed appreciation for his time at Hormel: "It's been incredibly rewarding to be part of this company's journey over the past 35 years," he said. "I'm honoured to join the Hormel Foods board and support the company's continued success in this new capacity. As a recently appointed director of The Hormel Foundation, I look forward to representing The Hormel Foundation and all of our shareholders."