SMITHFIELD, Va. – Smithfield Foods announced the company is shifting to a centralized organizational structure that will executives additional responsibilities. Ken Sullivan, president and CEO of the company announced the organizational realignment during an earnings call with analysts.
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| Dhamu Thamodaran, executive vice president, Smithfield Foods |
“I’ve asked Executive Vice President Dhamu Thamodaran, to accept additional responsibility for developing strategies to optimize our vertically integrated model,” Sullivan said. “In his expanded role, Dhamu will work closely with all four of our operating divisions and our export group to formulate and implement strategies that maximize returns from our vertically integrated system.”
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| William Brunt, CIO, Smithfield Foods |
Will Brunt, who serves as chief information officer, is tasked with expanding his innovation efforts across the business. “He will promote, encourage, empower and spotlight innovation in every corner, process and area of our business,” Sullivan explained. “In this expanded role, he will ensure innovation is part of our DNA, fostering an environment that encourages us to work smarter and serve our customers better. For world-class CPG companies, having a culture of innovation isn't just nice to have, it is a prerequisite.”
Joe Weber was appointed executive vice president of business development for Smithfield Foods. In this new role, Weber will be responsible for identifying, developing and executing strategies to promote and manage the company’s growth.
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| Joe Weber, executive vice president of business development, Smithfield Foods |
“This will include identifying and creating new and alternative revenue streams for Smithfield, as well as evaluating the multitude of new business opportunities that present themselves to us on a regular basis,” Sullivan said. “Joe is a seasoned senior executive with extensive knowledge of the protein industry and a background in agriculture. He has a unique ability to see the big picture. I know he will help raise Smithfield to great heights, both here in the US and internationally.”
Finally, Chuck Gitkin, senior vice president of brands and marketing, will assume all domestic marketing and brand development activities for the company’s packaged division. “Chuck is an innovative, outstanding marketing executive with a proven track record of success,” Sullivan said. “I’m supremely confident in his ability and believe he will propel our brands to new heights under our newly united “One Smithfield” domestic marketing organization.”
The company expects the benefits of “…moving to a centralized structure and unifying all our resources and brands together…” will position the company to take advantage of a “plethora of benefits” which include:
- Leveraging the company’s size and scope within the pork industry;
- Maximizing Smithfield’s manufacturing platform and distribution system;
- Approaching the market more efficiently and effectively;
- Maximizing management talent across the company;
- Aligning operations to improve customer service;
- Optimizing operations in brand management, manufacturing, sales and marketing; and
- Strengthening marketing, brand building and innovation across all brands.
