LOVELAND, COLO. – A longtime beef industry executive from Cargill, John Keating, is coming out of retirement to lead Meyer Natural Foods as chief executive officer. 

Having worked for more than 30 years with Cargill, most recently as president of business operations and supply chain for North America, Keating retired from the company in 2022 after a stint consulting for Meyer, a supplier of natural and organic protein products under brands that include Meyer Natural Angus, Laura's Lean, Dakota, Local Harvest, and Meyer Heritage Duroc Pork. 

"With today's challenging markets and economic pressures, I know we need an industry veteran to help drive growth and progress at Meyer Natural Foods", said Bob Meyer, owner and founder. 

Keating joined Cargill after graduating from Texas Tech University, initially working as a beef production trainee. He went on to work in many leadership roles overseeing operations in the United States and Australia. He was named president of the company’s food distribution and case-ready business in 2002 and was promoted to president of Cargill Beef, back in the United States, in 2008.  

"John brings the right mix of industry experience, customer focus, and personal integrity I desire to lead Meyer Natural Foods forward,” Meyer added.  “John shares my commitment to producing the highest quality and best tasting products with a commitment to environmentally sound practices, humane animal treatment, and personal and professional integrity."