MERRIAM, KAN. – Seaboard Foods LLC announced it has hired Peter Brown as its next president and chief executive officer. Brown will succeed Darwin “Duke” Sand, who will be retiring Jan. 1, 2021, after working at Seaboard for approximately 25 years.

Brown is assuming the position with Seaboard after working in various leadership roles for the past three decades, most recently as chief operating officer with Butterball LLC. Prior to that, he worked in the seafood industry as COO with High Liner Foods. His background includes experience in the retail and foodservice segments in procurement, distribution, customer support and manufacturing.

Brown will be responsible for all of Seaboard Foods’ operations, focusing on executing the company’s strategic priorities by working with Seaboard Corp.’s leadership and customers achieving data-driven results. He will also be responsible for steering Seaboard Foods’ culture of inclusion and continuous improvement.

Brown has been an active member of numerous industry organizations, supporting efforts to enhance sustainability and legislative issues.

Seaboard Corp. President and CEO Bob Steer said Brown’s experience and background are a good fit for his new role. 

“We're incredibly fortunate to tap into his experience and expertise in utilizing lean manufacturing and management principles to collaboratively drive results,” Steer said. “Peter has a proven track record of turning strategy into actions and leveraging the skills of existing talent to build high-performing teams.”

Brown will take over for Sand, who was promoted to president and CEO in 2018 after 22 successful years working in sales and marketing roles at Seaboard, which included leading its global growth as vice president of international sales.