DALLAS — John Pieper has been appointed president of Texas Meat Packers and will oversee the company's daily operations, including sales and production.

Mr. Pieper left his position as vice-president of sales after serving 19 years with U.S. Food Service. He was named vice-president of Texas Meat Packers in 2002. He is a graduate of Texas Tech University with a background in farming and ranching.

Mr. Pieper joined Texas Meat Packers when his friend and the company's founder, Gary Meixelsperger, acquired his first plant. "My goal, as president is for Texas Meat Packers to become the premier beef and chicken processor in the country. And with our excellent reputation in the industry, I see this as a feasible goal," Mr. Pieper said.