West Coast poultry producer, Foster Farms, has announced the appointment of Laura Flanagan as President and Chief Executive Officer. Effective August 29, 2016, Flanagan was unanimously selected by Foster’s Board of Directors, and will succeed Ron Foster, grandson of company Founders Max and Verda Foster.
"Foster Farms is a strong competitor in the national poultry landscape in large part because of its family-owned roots and its steadfast commitment to truly locally grown, fresh poultry," explained Flanagan. "I intend to honor the Foster family's legacy for excellence while growing the business, guiding our dedicated employees, and maintaining the trust of a new generation of consumers who care deeply about the food they feed their families, especially organic and antibiotic-free poultry choices."
Flanagan most recently served as President of the ConAgra Foods Snacks Division, but also head the role of President at ConAgra's Convenient Meals Division from 2008 to 2011. According to a press release, there she revitalized and expanded key brands, while leading initiatives to promote diversity, develop internal talent, and build skills and capabilities throughout the company.
"The board unanimously selected Laura Flanagan as the ideal executive to guide Foster Farms during a time of significant growth," added Foster, who will remain an owner and member of the Board of Directors. "She has an impressive record of transforming and growing household consumer brands across an ever-shifting landscape. We are confident that her strategic approach will lead Foster Farms to new heights within the U.S. meat and poultry industry."
Before her role with ConAgra, Flanagan served as Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Tropicana Shelf Stable Juices at PepsiCo, and from 1996 to 2005, held brand-management positions at General Mills and PepsiCo. Flanagan currently serves on the Board of Directors at Core-Mark International, a large marketers of fresh and broad-line supply solutions to the convenience retail industry.
