Ch-ch-ch-changes (any Bowie fans in the house?) are afoot at Butterball as Kerry Doughty, industry veteran of over 40 years, steps down from his role as President and CEO after over a decade of service. Jay Jandrain, former COO, has been formally appointed as the new President and CEO.
“Kerry’s sales background has led to a ‘customer first’ perspective that has guided the tone at Butterball even before he became CEO,” said Jay Jandrain, incoming President and CEO. “His desire to please our customers and consumers with exceptional service and quality have been the driving force behind our success. Kerry has unselfishly extended his agenda to grow turkey consumption beyond just Butterball. He has been a strong voice for the turkey industry, knowing that if the industry thrives, there will be additional opportunities for each of its constituents.”
Before hopping on board the Butterball train, Jandrain held multiple positions with companies like Cargill and Plantation Foods. Joining the Butterball team in 2002 as the Director of Product Research and Development, he has held roles including Vice President of Deli Sales, Vice President of Product R&D, Vice President of Integrated Business Strategy, and Executive Vice President of Sales. Before his recent promotion to President and CEO, Jandrain held the position of COO for Butterball and was responsible for overseeing corporate purchasing, demand and supply planning, plant operations, transportation and warehousing, corporate engineering, and research and development.
His predecessor, Kerry Doughty, started at Butterball in 2007 as Executive Vice President of Sales, Marketing, and Research and Development, after a formidable career in foodservice sales and branding. In that role, he oversaw marketing and public relations initiatives, new product and innovation development, and domestic and international retail and foodservice customer relationships.
“I knew when I took the job that Butterball had a great brand and strong presence in the market. What I didn’t know was how good the people were at Butterball,” said Doughty. “I’ve been extremely impressed with the quality of people up and down the line, from hourly associates to senior executives, I feel like we have the best team in the industry.”
In 2014, he rose to the position of President and CEO where he was responsible for business strategy, which, according to a press release, led to a record-breaking year in 2016. Doughty also oversaw the company’s “no antibiotics ever” and organic product line launches, as well as the creation of Butterball’s Animal Care and Well-Being program and certification under American Humane.
“On behalf of Maxwell Farms, I would like to thank Kerry for his many significant contributions during his 10 years with Butterball, and especially for his leadership during nearly five years as CEO,” said Walter Pelletier, who serves on the Butterball Board of Directors. “Among his most valuable contributions has been the recruitment and development of an excellent management team that is fully capable of taking the company forward. We wish Kerry and his family the very best.”
Recognizing Doughty’s people-come-first mentality and hard work at bettering the poultry business, he was awarded the 2018 Poultry Person of the Year by Urner Barry. Doughty also held Board of Director roles with the North Carolina Chamber of Commerce, the National Turkey Federation, the North American Meat Institute, and the Triangle American Heart Association.
“Kerry’s dedication to Butterball and the leadership he’s provided the company since he started more than a decade ago have added tremendous value to one of the most respected and well-known food brands” said Steve Bresky, President and CEO of Seaboard Corporation, and a member of the Butterball Board of Directors. “Kerry is a true leader who knows the value of hard work and inspires the same from those around him. Through his strategic thinking and drive for innovation, the company has reached new records while refusing to compromise the quality that the Butterball brand is known for. He has been a leader among his industry peers and he will be missed.”
While Butterball is currently searching for a new COO, Deli Market News will keep you posted.
