Hormel Foods Announces Retail Leadership Elevations

Rhea-AI Summary

Hormel Foods (NYSE:HRL) has announced key leadership changes in its Retail business segment. Scott Weisenbeck has been promoted to vice president of marketing – Retail, following his successful track record in driving growth and innovation in the bacon category. His role will expand to oversee a broader brand portfolio.

Joe O'Connor has been elevated to vice president of Emerging Brands – Retail, where he will continue leading the emerging brands business, including Applegate and Justin's. The appointments were announced by CEO Jim Snee and Executive VP of Retail John Ghingo, who emphasized these promotions' strategic importance in strengthening brands and driving growth.

Positive

• Strategic strengthening of retail leadership team with experienced internal promotions
• Expansion of successful bacon category leadership to broader brand portfolio
• Continued focus on emerging brands development including Applegate and Justin's

Negative

• None.

AUSTIN, Minn., March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Hormel Foods Corporation (NYSE:HRL), a Fortune 500 global branded food company, today announced leadership advancements for its Retail business segment.

• Scott Weisenbeck has been promoted to vice president of marketing – Retail. Scott has been instrumental in driving growth and innovation in the bacon category and will take on an expanded role, bringing his expertise to a broader portfolio of brands.
• Joe O'Connor has been promoted to vice president of Emerging Brands – Retail. Joe's deep understanding of the premium consumer base, growth mindset and strong results make him well-suited to continue leading our emerging brands business, including Applegate and Justin's.

"These advancements recognize Scott and Joe's leadership, ability to deliver results and positions them to have greater impact as we continue to grow our Retail business," said Jim Snee, president and chief executive officer at Hormel Foods. "I congratulate Scott and Joe on their new and important leadership roles."

"Scott and Joe's leadership comes at an important time as we continue to strengthen our brands and drive growth," said John Ghingo, executive vice president of Retail at Hormel Foods. "I am excited for them to bring their strategic insights and expertise to these roles, further positioning our brands and our businesses for the future."

LEADER BIOS

About Scott Weisenbeck
Weisenbeck joined Hormel Foods in 1992 as a sales representative in the Denver, Colorado, area. He advanced through various territory manager roles before becoming an associate brand manager in the company's former Meat Products division at the Corporate Office (Austin, Minnesota) in 1997. Beginning the following year, Weisenbeck advanced through brand management and senior brand management roles, then in 2005 was named group brand manager for Meat Products. He became the director of integrated marketing and planning for the Hormel^® brand in 2009, then assumed the role of marketing director for Grocery Products in 2013. Weisenbeck was named assistant vice president of bacon in 2022.

About Joe O'Connor
O'Connor started his career with Hormel Foods in 2006 as a sales representative in the Chicago, Illinois, market. In 2012, he served as a national category manager at the World Headquarters in Austin, Minnesota, and then became a customer business manager for metro chains and Puerto Rico in 2013. He was named director of sales in 2018, then joined the Applegate team as vice president of sales and marketing in 2020. He assumed his current role as president of Applegate and assistant vice president of Hormel Foods in 2022.

About Hormel Foods — Inspired People. Inspired Food.^™
Hormel Foods Corporation, based in Austin, Minnesota, is a global branded food company with approximately $12 billion in annual revenue across more than 80 countries worldwide. Its brands include PLANTERS^®, SKIPPY^®, SPAM^®, HORMEL^® NATURAL CHOICE^®, APPLEGATE^®, JUSTIN'S^®, WHOLLY^®, HORMEL^® BLACK LABEL^®, COLUMBUS^®, JENNIE-O^® and more than 30 other beloved brands. The company is a member of the S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats, was named one of the best companies to work for by U.S. News & World Report, one of America's most responsible companies by Newsweek, recognized by TIME magazine as one of the World's Best Companies and has received numerous other awards and accolades for its corporate responsibility and community service efforts. The company lives by its purpose statement — Inspired People. Inspired Food.^™ — to bring some of the world's most trusted and iconic brands to tables across the globe. For more information, visit hormelfoods.com.

Contact:	Media Relations
	Hormel Foods
	media@hormel.com

 

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SOURCE Hormel Foods Corporation

FAQ

What leadership changes did Hormel Foods (HRL) announce in March 2025?

Hormel Foods announced two key promotions: Scott Weisenbeck to VP of marketing – Retail, and Joe O'Connor to VP of Emerging Brands – Retail.

Which brands will Joe O'Connor oversee in his new role at Hormel Foods (HRL)?

As VP of Emerging Brands – Retail, Joe O'Connor will oversee Applegate and Justin's brands.

What is Scott Weisenbeck's track record at Hormel Foods (HRL)?

Scott Weisenbeck has been instrumental in driving growth and innovation in Hormel's bacon category.

How do these appointments align with Hormel Foods' (HRL) retail strategy?

The appointments aim to strengthen Hormel's brands and drive retail growth through enhanced leadership in marketing and emerging brands segments.