SMITHFIELD, VA. – Smithfield Foods Inc., announced the promotion of Andrea Tucker to the position of plant manager of the company’s sprawling Tar Heel, NC, pork processing complex, effective April 4. She succeeded Donovan Owens, who was promoted to a corporate position after serving as the plant manager of the Tar Heel plant since 2018.

Tucker, who has worked in a variety of roles since joining the company more than 20 years ago, initially worked as an accountant at Smithfield before becoming its first female plant manager in 2019, leading operations at the Wilson, NC, bacon-processing facility. Also in 2019, Tucker was the recipient of the Manufacturing Institute’s STEP Ahead Award, which recognizes female leaders in the manufacturing sector who’ve made an impact by advocating, mentoring and engaging in their roles.

“Andrea is a true servant leader who has achieved record levels of operational excellence, employee morale and engagement by instilling a culture of teamwork wherever she goes,” said Brady Stewart, chief operating officer with Smithfield Foods. “We are tremendously proud to have her as part of our Smithfield family and look forward to watching her career with Smithfield continue to unfold.”

Stewart thanked Owens for his contributions and leadership at the plant and said he looks forward to him assuming a new corporate role.

“Providing new opportunities for our team members to contribute and grow is an essential element of our vertically integrated business strategy and the future of our company,” Stewart said.

“We are confident that Andrea and Donovan will continue to excel in their new roles.”