SMITHFIELD, VA. — Dennis H. Treacy has been promoted to senior vice-president of corporate affairs and chief sustainability officer at Smithfield Foods Inc. as part of the company's focus on corporate social responsibility and sustainability.

Mr. Treacy, who joined Smithfield Foods in 2002, was formerly vice-president of environmental and corporate affairs.

"Our business has become much more complex as we confront increasing government regulation and rising public and customer awareness of corporate social responsibility practices and sustainability,” said C. Larry Pope, president and chief executive. “We understand that our long-term success directly correlates with our ability to effectively address these factors and that these programs must be managed from a senior level within our organization.”

Mr. Treacy’s appointment to this new role demonstrates Smithfield’s continuing commitment to operate the company in a socially responsible and sustainable way, Mr. Pope said.