Cargill Appoints New Head of North American Protein Business

It’s a day for changes in leadership in the deli world! In this case, Cargill is naming two new leadership positions for its protein operations: as of March 1, 2019, Jon Nash as head of its North American Protein Business, and Misty High in the lead role for Cargill Protein Foodservice Business.

“Cargill is innovating the future of protein,” said Corporate Senior Vice President Brian Sikes, who Nash will report to directly. “Jon is a results-driven leader. He puts people first, embraces technology and is a forward thinker—this collaborative approach will help continue our growth.”

Nash began his career at Cargill in 1998 and was most recently its President of Protein Foodservice Business, where the company said he strengthened and built strategic customer relationships. He brings a diverse mix of commercial, operations and finance experience, according to a press release, and has served as Vice President of Operations as well as General Manager and Controller of the company’s Fresno, CA, beef facility.

Sikes, his immediate superior, is another changeup to the leadership structure, having been recently appointed to the executive team as leader of the company’s global protein and salt businesses.

High joined Cargill in 2005 after starting her career with an integrated advertising and marketing agency. She currently serves as Vice President and Key Customer Leader in Cargill’s Protein business, and has a strong track-record of building strategic partnerships with foodservice and retail customers. The company shared that she has advanced joint efforts on sustainability.

High is originally from Wichita, KS., and will return to the city for this role, as will Nash. Cargill Protein has 28,000 employees across nearly 50 locations, producing beef, turkey, chicken, and egg products for foodservice, retail, and food ingredient companies across North America and the globe.