SPRINGDALE, ARK. — Tyson Foods announced Donnie D. King, 47, was appointed senior group vice president of Poultry and Prepared Foods, replacing Donnie Smith who was recently named Tyson’s president and chief executive officer. Noel White, 51, has been named senior group vice president of Tyson Fresh Meats, the company’s beef and pork business, succeeding Jim Lochner, Tyson’s new chief operating officer.

Mr. King and Mr. White will both report to Mr. Lochner.

"We believe Donnie and Noel have the leadership skills needed to help us execute the sound strategy we have in place to win," Mr. Smith said. "They will be actively involved in our continued pursuit of operational excellence and innovative food solutions for our customers."

"Donnie and Noel have extensive knowledge about our company and our industry and, equally important, are committed to operating with integrity," Mr. Lochner said. "I look forward to their involvement as we work aggressively to ensure our company is successful."

Most recently serving as group vice president, Refrigerated and Deli, Fowl and Export Sales, Mr. King joined Tyson Foods in 1982. He has been a poultry plant manager, poultry complex manager and director of logistics. He also has held a variety of senior-level management positions, including senior vice president, Food Service Operations; senior vice president, Consumer Products Operations; and group vice president, Poultry and Prepared Foods. Mr. King has a degree in business management from the University of Arkansas-Monticello.

Mr. White was previously senior vice president, Pork Margin Management. In 1983, he joined IBP inc., which was later acquired by Tyson, as a pork sales representative. He has subsequently held numerous sales and management positions. He has served as vice president, Pork Sales; vice president, Manufactured Product Sales; senior vice president, Fresh Meats Sales and Marketing; and was also group vice president of Tyson Fresh Meats. Mr. White has a master’s degree in business administration from Oklahoma City University.