Tyson Foods has named its first ever Chief Sustainability Office, appointing Justin Whitmore to the role as the company begins to pursue a new strategy placing an increased emphasis on the trending initiative.
“I’m honored by Tyson Foods’ confidence in me to serve as its first Chief Sustainability Officer,” said Whitmore, in a company press release. “This is a company I know and respect. I'm excited to contribute to its strong legacy of leadership as we take on the challenge of global food sustainability. I look forward to working closely with Tom and the entire Tyson team to continue to innovate and live out our purpose."
Before joining Tyson, Whitmore was a consultant at McKinsey & Company, where he launched the firm's complexity management service line, led the McKinsey Black Network efforts in the Midwest region, and advised leading companies on strategy, operations, and sustainability. At McKinsey, Whitmore developed innovative solutions to address sustainability issues while considering operational complexity, consumer demand, market share growth, and financial discipline.
The appointment, effective May 1, will make Whitmore part of the company’s leadership team, reporting directly to President and CEO Tom Hayes.
“I am pleased to welcome Justin to the Tyson Foods family,” said Hayes. “We created this new role as part of our commitment to invest in our future through sustainability initiatives while funding them in the present through a best-in-class approach to continuous improvement. Justin brings considerable operations experience to Tyson as well as an approach that breaks down barriers and unlocks the potential of teams,” he said. “We believe he will not only drive change at Tyson, but across our industry as he partners with the many important stakeholders in our supply chain and food system.”
As Chief Sustainability Officer, Whitmore’s responsibilities will include providing leadership and direction to help the company achieve its strategic intent of sustainably feeding the world. Whitmore will implement solutions that drive industry-leading impact in every aspect of sustainability. According to a press release, under Whitmore’s leadership, the company will strive to innovate and simultaneously deliver healthier food, healthier animals, a healthier environment, and a healthier workplace.
Whitmore will also be responsible for instituting a disciplined approach to productivity and financial fitness. He will collaborate across the organization in efforts to create efficiency and savings that can be reinvested in the business to fuel growth. The company notes that Whitmore’s experience consulting on strategy, operations, and sustainability for food processing, consumer packaged goods, and foodservice companies is expected to serve him well in his new role.
