Pilgrim's Pride Corporation announced that Jerry D. Wilson has been named executive vice president of sales and marketing, subject to approval of the US Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Texas.

Wilson will join the company immediately on an interim basis, bringing 29 years of poultry industry experience to his new role.

Wilson previously served nine years as vice president of sales and marketing for Keystone Farms LLC, a privately owned poultry producer based in Huntsville, Ala. Prior to that, he spent seven years as vice president of sales and marketing with Seaboard Farms, Inc., a poultry producer based in Athens, Ga. He also has held operations, quality assurance and management positions with Simmons Foods and Sanderson Farms.

"As Pilgrim's Pride moves toward a market-driven business model, Jerry will play an integral role in making sure that we capitalise on our growth opportunities and exceed our customers' expectations," said Don Jackson, president and chief executive officer.