GARNER, NC. – Poultry processor Butterball LLC recently confirmed that it hired Brett Worlow as its new general counsel.

The company said that Worlow would be responsible for the management of legal affairs and intellectual property oversight. He will also serve as Butterball’s corporate secretary. 

“We feel fortunate to have Brett join the Butterball team,” said Jay Jandrain, president and chief executive officer for Butterball. “His extensive background in the meat and poultry industry means he offers a great deal of experience and understanding in all facets of our business. Brett’s collaborative approach to managing legal governance and business matters will complement our leadership team, and we look forward to fresh ideas that will contribute to the strength and continuing growth of our company and the Butterball brand.” 

Worlow previously worked as chief counsel and assistant secretary at Tyson Foods Inc. He worked at Tyson for 15 years.  

Worlow holds a degree in international relations from Hendrix College in Conway, Ark., and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Arkansas School of Law.

Butterball added that Worlow and his family are relocating to North Carolina, where he will be based out of the company’s headquarters. 

Worlow succeeded Suzanne Griffin, senior vice president, general counsel and chief risk officer who recently took a position at Virginia Tech as the university compliance officer. Griffin joined Butterball in 2012 where she used her legal experience in agriculture, industry and finance.

In recent years, Butterball and Tyson were co-defendants in ongoing price-fixing litigation against the biggest poultry companies in the United States.