PITTSBURG, TEXAS – Jerry Wilson, a 29-year poultry industry veteran, has been named executive vice president of sales and marketing for Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation. Although his hire is subject to approval of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Texas, he joins the company immediately on an interim basis.

"Technically, this is a new position," Ray Atkinson
director of corporate communications, told MEATPOULTRY.com regarding Mr. Wilson’s new appointment. "Bob Wright, who had previously been executive vice president of sales and marketing, was named c.o.o. on March 26, 2008. At that time, the e.v.p. sales/marketing position was eliminated. Mr. Wright resigned as c.o.o. on Dec. 16, 2008, when Don Jackson became president and c.e.o."

Mr. Wilson most recently served nine years as vice president of sales and marketing for Keystone Farms LLC, Huntsville, Ala. Prior to that, he spent seven years as vice president of sales and marketing with Seaboard Farms Inc., Athens, Ga. He also has held operations, quality-assurance and management positions with Simmons Foods, Siloam Springs, Ark., and Sanderson Farms, Laurel, Miss.

"Jerry is a proven leader with considerable experience in building a customer-focused culture," said Don Jackson, president and chief executive officer. "As Pilgrim's Pride moves toward a market-driven business model, Jerry will play an integral role in making sure that we capitalize on our growth opportunities and exceed our customers' expectations."

Pilgrim’s Pride filed voluntary Chapter 11 petitions on Dec. 1, 2008. The company's operations in Mexico and certain operations in the United States were not included in the filing and continue to operate as usual outside of the Chapter 11 process.

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