August 19, 2010

Poulson to retire as executive vice president of Smithfield Foods

Smithfield Foods, Inc. has announced that Richard J. M. Poulson, Executive Vice President, will retire from Smithfield effective September 1, 2010.

C. Larry Pope, president and chief executive officer, said, "Dick has been an extremely valuable member of the senior management team and has been helpful in our growth from a domestic provider of excellent pork products into one of the world's most respected and recognised meat protein suppliers. He has been instrumental in many of Smithfield's major acquisitions, including leading our acquisitions in Poland, Romania, and Western Europe, as well as serving as an important advisor to our Board of Directors."

"We truly appreciate Dick's dedication, enthusiasm, and business insights and wish him all the success for the future," Pope concluded.