TUSCALOOSA, ALA. – Poultry processor Peco Foods announced on Jan.  9 that it promoted Kevin Phillips to chief commercial officer (CCO).

The news comes after longtime executive Steve Evans announced his plans to retire from the position of CCO at the end of January.

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Steve for his contributions during his tenure at Peco Foods,” said Mark Hickman, president and chief executive officer of Peco Foods. “His leadership has been pivotal in steering our commercial strategies and sustainably setting our team up for success for years to come.”

Evans joined Peco Foods in 2019 as a consultant before being named CCO in July 2020. Along with his 40-plus years of poultry industry expertise, he was also a board member and past chair of the marketing committee for the National Chicken Council.

“As I reflect on my dedicated career in the poultry industry, I will certainly miss working alongside the exceptional team at Peco Foods,” said Evans. “However, I am extremely confident in the team I’m leaving behind and know they will continue delivering innovative products and outstanding customer service to drive sustainable growth.”

Phillips brings more than two decades of experience in the poultry industry. He plans to spearhead the company’s strategic initiatives to continue building cutting-edge infrastructure to grow the Peco product market and increase revenue.

“Kevin’s unwavering dedication to Peco Foods and depth of experience in the poultry industry make him the ideal candidate for this role,” Hickman said. “His strong leadership qualities and strategic vision align perfectly with our commitment to innovation and dedication to our customers.”

Before this role, Phillips worked as the corporate director of sales and marketing- commodity at Peco Foods.

The company said Phillips has a remarkable track record in optimizing volumes, reefing product mix, and formulating competitive pricing strategies, which has been instrumental in driving Peco’s growth in 2023.

During his career, Phillips has served in multiple professional leadership positions, including chairman of the National Chicken Council marketing committee, US Poultry & Egg Association Board Member and USAPEEC Board Member.

Peco Foods also announced another promotion. Scott Alexander is moving into the role of senior corporate director of sales and marketing. He previously worked as corporate director of sales and marketing – value added. 

In the new position, Alexander will oversee all sales and marketing for commodity and value-added products and continue to challenge his team to identify and secure business and products through the distribution of retail, convenience stores, quick service restaurants, and other strategic accounts.

“Scott has been with Peco since 1993 and has helped us greatly strengthen our value-added product mix to meet evolving customer needs,” added Hickman. “We know he will thrive in this role and continue to position our company as a competitive producer of quality products dedicated to driving excellence in everything we do.”

Headquartered in Tuscaloosa, Ala., Peco Foods operates processing plants in Mississippi, Arkansas and Alabama.