Hormel Foods Appoints Donald Monk as Company's First Chief Technology Officer

Hormel Foods (NYSE: HRL) appointed Donald Monk as its first chief technology officer, effective March 23, 2026.

Rhea-AI Summary

Hormel Foods (NYSE: HRL) appointed Donald Monk as its first chief technology officer, effective March 23, 2026. Monk will lead enterprise technology, digital and data strategy to support long-term growth and modernization of the company’s technology platforms.

Monk brings more than 35 years of global technology leadership, including three decades at General Mills where he served as chief information officer, and is tasked with building modern digital capabilities and high-performing global teams.

Positive

• First-ever CTO appointed, centralizing enterprise technology leadership
• Donald Monk brings 35+ years of technology leadership experience
• CTO role effective March 23, 2026, signaling near-term execution

Negative

• None.

Argus Feb 25 session

-1.90% close to close Open Argus

Details

News Market Reaction – HRL

On Feb 25, the first trading day after this news, HRL closed 1.90% below the previous close.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus for the Feb 25 session.

Market Context

This announcement adds a dedicated chief technology officer to lead Hormel’s enterprise technology, ...

Analysis

This announcement adds a dedicated chief technology officer to lead Hormel’s enterprise technology, digital, and data strategy starting March 23, 2026. It follows other recent leadership changes and preliminary Q1 2026 results with reaffirmed guidance, suggesting continued focus on execution and modernization. Investors may watch how new technology leadership supports efficiency, supply chain initiatives, and brand growth alongside existing debt-issuance flexibility under the company’s universal shelf registration.

Key Figures

CTO start date: March 23, 2026 Technology experience: 35 years Q1 net sales: ~$3.0 billion +5 more

CTO start date

March 23, 2026

Effective date for Donald Monk as chief technology officer

Technology experience

35 years

Global technology leadership experience cited for Donald Monk

Q1 net sales

~$3.0 billion

Preliminary fiscal Q1 2026 net sales expectation

Organic net sales growth

2%

Preliminary fiscal Q1 2026 organic net sales growth vs prior year

Diluted EPS

$0.33

Preliminary fiscal Q1 2026 diluted EPS

Adjusted diluted EPS

$0.34

Preliminary fiscal Q1 2026 adjusted diluted EPS

State Street ownership

27,318,643 shares (5%)

Beneficial ownership of Hormel common stock as of 12/31/2025

Stock options granted

201,000 shares at $24.46

Stock options granted to president John F. Ghingo on Feb 2, 2026

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Feb 17

5 events

1. Feb 17

   Prelim Q1 results

   24h Move

   -1.4%

   Preliminary Q1 results with ~$3.0B sales, 2% organic growth, reaffirmed guidance.

2. Feb 17

   Asset divestiture

   24h Move

   -1.4%

   Agreement to sell whole-bird turkey business with minimal expected 2026 impact.

3. Feb 12

   Leadership change

   24h Move

   -2.1%

   Appointment of new group VP and chief supply chain officer for global operations.

4. Feb 03

   Marketing campaign

   24h Move

   +0.7%

   SPAM brand Big Game campaign with athlete partnership to drive engagement.

5. Feb 02

   Earnings call notice

   24h Move

   +0.7%

   Announcement of Q1 earnings release and CAGNY conference participation schedule.

24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.

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New role underscores company's commitment to modernizing technology, digital and data capabilities

AUSTIN, Minn., Feb. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Hormel Foods Corporation (NYSE: HRL), a Fortune 500 global branded food company, today announced the appointment of Donald Monk as chief technology officer, effective March 23. In this newly created role, Monk will serve as the company's senior-most technology leader, responsible for envisioning, aligning and delivering the enterprise technology, digital and data strategy that supports long‑term growth.

"Don is an exceptional technology leader with a proven track record of transforming large, global organizations and building modern digital capabilities that unlock business growth," said John Ghingo, president, Hormel Foods. "As we continue to prioritize the modernization of our technology and data platforms, Don's experience and leadership will be critical in enhancing the capabilities that empower our business. We are thrilled to welcome him to Hormel Foods."

Monk brings more than 35 years of global technology leadership to Hormel Foods, including more than three decades at General Mills, where he ultimately served as chief information officer. Widely recognized for leading complex enterprise transformations, he has built high‑performing global teams and developed modern technology ecosystems that enable organizations to move faster and deliver stronger business results.

About Donald Monk
Monk is a global technology executive with more than 35 years of experience leading large, complex digital, data and technology organizations. He has deep expertise in shaping enterprise technology strategy, modernizing digital capabilities and enabling business growth through innovation.

Monk spent 33 years at General Mills, ultimately serving as chief information officer, where he led global technology strategy, delivery and operations across the company's international footprint. He later joined Cargill, most recently serving as senior vice president of strategy, governance and transformation for the company's digital technology and data organization. In that role, he guided global strategy and transformation efforts across all aspects of the digital and data function, including people, process, analytics and AI, finance and technology governance.

Throughout his career, Monk has led major enterprise transformations, built high‑performing global teams and implemented modern technology platforms that strengthen operational performance and accelerate growth.

Monk holds a Master of Science in software engineering from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities and a Bachelor of Science in computer science from Minnesota State University, Mankato.

About Hormel Foods — Inspired People. Inspired Food.^™
Hormel Foods Corporation, based in Austin, Minnesota, is a global branded food company with over $12 billion in annual revenue. Its brands include PLANTERS^®, SKIPPY^®, SPAM^®, HORMEL^® NATURAL CHOICE^®, APPLEGATE^®, 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

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hormel-foods-appoints-donald-monk-as-companys-first-chief-technology-officer-302696245.html

SOURCE Hormel Foods Corporation

FAQ

AI-generated questions and answers. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

Who is Donald Monk and what role will he have at Hormel Foods (HRL) starting March 23, 2026?

Donald Monk will serve as Hormel Foods' first chief technology officer, responsible for enterprise technology, digital and data strategy. According to Hormel Foods, he brings more than 35 years of global technology leadership and prior service as chief information officer at General Mills.

What does the new CTO appointment mean for Hormel Foods (HRL) technology modernization plans?

The appointment signals a company-wide priority to modernize technology and data platforms to support growth. According to Hormel Foods, the CTO will envision, align and deliver enterprise technology, digital and data strategy to accelerate modernization and business capabilities.

When is Donald Monk's start date as CTO at Hormel Foods (HRL) and why is the timing notable?

Donald Monk's start date is March 23, 2026, establishing near-term leadership for technology initiatives. According to Hormel Foods, the timely hire aims to accelerate modernization and strengthen digital and data capabilities supporting long-term growth.

How does Donald Monk's background qualify him for the CTO position at Hormel Foods (HRL)?

Monk has over 35 years of global technology experience and led enterprise transformations at large organizations. According to Hormel Foods, his tenure includes more than three decades at General Mills, where he ultimately served as chief information officer.

Will the CTO role at Hormel Foods (HRL) affect the company's digital and data strategy execution?

Yes, the CTO role centralizes accountability for technology, digital and data strategy to support execution. According to Hormel Foods, the CTO will be the senior-most technology leader responsible for aligning and delivering enterprise technology and data initiatives.