SPRINGDALE (KFSM) — Tyson Foods announces the replacement of company President and CEO Tom Hayes.
In a press release this morning, the company say Noel White will take over for Hayes. The release goes on to say that Hayes is leaving for personal reasons. Noel White is set to assume the new leadership role on Sept. 30.
“It is a very difficult decision to leave Tyson Foods, but after careful consideration and discussions with my family and the board, I know it is the right thing to do,” Hayes said.
John Tyson, chairman of the board of directors, praised Hayes for accelerating the “strategic transformation of Tyson Foods’ product portfolio and deployed an important role in the company’s continuing development.”
Tyson added that he, the board and the company wish Hayes well.
White has over 30 years of experience in the food industry and worked at IBP for nearly two decades prior to its 2001 acquisition by Tyson Foods, according to a news release.
“I am honored to serve as Tyson Foods’ next CEO, and I am excited by the many opportunities that lie ahead,” White said.
“It has been a privilege to contribute to this company’s evolution over the course of many years and to be a part of its becoming one of the world’s largest food companies. I look forward to accelerating the current trajectory of growth as a global modern food company through our operational excellence, innovative thinking and focus to sustainably feed the world.”
He has served in various leadership roles throughout his career with Tyson Foods, including as chief operations officer. As group president of Beef, Pork and International, he was responsible for delivering top and bottom line growth for the company’s beef and pork segments as well as the international business.
Previously, he was president of Poultry from 2013 to 2017 and has also served in numerous sales, management and company officer positions, the release said.
White is a graduate of Bemidji State University and earned a Master of Business Administration degree with an emphasis in economics from Oklahoma City University.
