June 15, 2020

Pilgrim's Pride CEO on leave of absence due to US DoJ chicken price-fixing indictment

Pilgrim's Pride president and chief executive officer Jayson Penn has gone on a leave of absence to concentrate on his alleged involvement over a US chicken price-fixing case by the US Department of Justice (DoJ), Reuters reported.

In addition to Penn, three other current and past executives from the poultry industry were also charged over the chicken price-fixing case.

Gilberto Tomazoni, chairman of Pilgrim's Pride said the company's board has regarded the DoJ's allegations seriously, and Penn's leave of absence will benefit both himself and the company as he prepares his defense.

Fabio Sandrias, Pilgrim's Pride chief financial officer has been named interim company CEO.

-  Reuters