August 20, 2015

Smithfield creates leadership roles to focus on innovation

Smithfield Foods, Inc. has announced the creation of two new senior leadership roles to enhance the company's ongoing commitment to lead the industry in innovation.

William Brunt has been named senior vice president and chief innovation officer, effective from August 31, 2015. Additionally, Jeff Warner has been appointed vice president of innovation for the Packaged Meats Division, effective from August 24, 2015.

In his new role, Brunt will oversee Smithfield's Innovation Center and have responsibility for new product development within existing categories and new categories as the company focuses on becoming a global leader in branded packaged meats. He will also continue as senior vice president of marketing for several core brands, including Smithfield.

Warner reports directly to Brunt and will oversee the Innovation Center team. He brings more than 20 years of experience to this new role, including 18 years with Heinz North America, in roles of increasing responsibility spanning innovation, research and development, marketing and engineering.

Warner holds a Bachelor of Science and MBA from Penn State, and is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America.

"Establishing these new senior leadership positions demonstrates Smithfield's further commitment to building a company-wide culture of innovation, while remaining true to our core motto of providing customers with 'Good food. Responsibly'," C. Larry Pope, the president and CEO of Smithfield, commented.

"We believe that innovation and thought leadership will ignite future growth in our Packaged Meats division and for the company overall. Under our new structure, we continue to strengthen our team and utilise management talent across the organisation in the best way possible. I look forward to the valuable contributions Will and Jeff will both make to the Smithfield family in their new roles."