SMITHFIELD, Va. – Robert "Bo" Manly, executive vice president and chief synergy officer retired from his post at Smithfield Foods, Inc., the company announced. 

Bo Manly

Manly joined Smithfield Foods in 1986 as vice president, a post he held through 1996. his roles at the company included president and COO of Smithfield Packing Co. from 1994 to 1995. He also was a member of the board of directors. Additionally, Manly served as president of Premium Standard Farms for 10 years before rejoining Smithfield as an executive vice president in 2006.

"I had genuine mixed feelings when Bo told me about his retirement plans," said Larry Pope, president and CEO of Smithfield Foods. "Bo and I have been close friends for many years, and while I'm certainly happy for him as he embarks on this new phase of his life, I'm going to miss his counsel. Bo has been an integral part of our management team. He has held leadership positions in almost every area of the company and has made so many invaluable contributions to Smithfield's success."

Smithfield appointed Manly CFO in 2008. By 2013, his responsibilities expanded to include executive vice president and chief synergy officer. Manly duties included maximizing synergies and leveraging opportunities between Smithfield and its parent company, WH Group. Ken Sullivan became CFO after WH Group acquired Smithfield.

Pope noted that Manly, who is 61 years old, "has gained a well-deserved reputation in our industry as someone who always empowered and motivated people to do their very best in their jobs, and set their sights on achieving even lofty goals. Throughout his career, Bo has been at the forefront of introducing changes and innovations in our industry that have stood the test of time."

"On behalf of Bo's many friends and colleagues here at Smithfield, we wish him much happiness and good health in his retirement," Pope said.