To further concentrate on the company’s innovations, corporate strategies, and marketing prowess, Hormel Foods Corporation has announced four key leadership appointments to stimulate its performance.
“The growth of Hormel Foods is a product of our continued focus on our formula for success as we grow our portfolio of leading consumer brands, accelerate innovation, complete evolutionary acquisitions and build our balanced portfolio," said James P. Snee, current President and Chief Operating Officer, who will move into the position of Chief Executive Officer as of October 31.
Also at the head of its unveiled executive shakeup comes the announcement of James M. Splinter as Group Vice President, Corporate Strategy, according to a press release. In his new role, Splinter will report directly to Snee and focus on the following business aspects:
“Jim Splinter has led impressive growth in our Grocery Products segment by expanding our legacy product portfolio, heading up the recent acquisitions of the SKIPPY® and Justin’s® brands and overseeing our MegaMex Foods joint venture," continued Snee. "In this new role, Jim will be focused on enhancing our business model, both organically and through strategic acquisitions, across our entire portfolio. He will also provide visionary leadership for our e-commerce capabilities, working closely with our customers to ensure that consumers have access to our products around the world, right from their devices.”
Splinter brings more than 30 years of experience with Hormel Foods to this position. He has carried numerous titles during his tenure, spanning several departments and subsidiaries of the company, including Product Manager for Meat Products, and Group Product Manager for Grocery Product Division’s Recipe Ingredient Group. Splinter possesses award-winning expertise of marketing campaigns, and has also held several senior marketing and group positions across Hormel’s operations.
Luis G. Marconi has been uplifted in the company to the position of Group Vice President, Grocery Products, to oversee the company’s branded grocery products and business. The brands to be focused on include SPAM®, SKIPPY®, Hormel® chili, MegaMex, and Justin’s®.
The company stated that Marconi’s leadership over strategic product pillars of global, multicultural, healthy/holistic, and on-the-go products will make him an asset in his new appointment. Marconi joined the company in 2000 and has served in senior roles in the grocery and MegaMex divisions before being appointed as Vice President of Marketing for Hormel Foods Grocery Products in 2012. Marconi will report to Executive Vice President and President of Hormel Business Units Steven G. Binder.
Hormel also named Steven J. Venenga as Vice President of Grocery Products Marketing, who will work with Marconi to bolster Hormel’s Grocery Products portfolio. In this role, Venenga will drive the marketing efforts, set strategies, and lead the brand and marketing teams.
Venenga joined Hormel in 1996 and has moved through several leading marketing positions in the company. Venenga has been involved with the brand integration of the Jennie-O Turkey Store®, where he also serves as a member of the Board of Directors, as well as retail product launches. Venenga most recently served as Vice President of Marketing for Meat Products for Hormel Foods.
Promoted from President of Hormel Foods International, Asia Pacific, Swen Neufeldt has been now appointed as Vice President of Meat Products Marketing. Neufeldt will lead strategic marketing efforts for the meat products business of Hormel, which includes a variety of labels.
Neufeldt first joined the company in 1996 as a Grocery Products Sales Representative, and quickly moved up to several more senior positions within a year. Neufeldt has also served in leadership positions for the company’s international endeavors, bringing substantial growth to the company’s operations in China which includes a new plant to open in 2017.
“Congratulations to Jim, Luis, Steve and Swen on their appointments,” said Snee. “Each of these individuals brings significant leadership experience, unparalleled business acumen, and a focused dedication to our customers and consumers. I look forward to working with them in their new roles as we continue to bring enhanced growth and success to the company.”
As the new leaders move into their roles, Deli Market News will keep an eye on the shifting corporate strategies and impact for the company and the market.
