Jeffrey Ettinger, Hormel
Jeffrey M. Ettinger will retire as c.e.o. of Hormel Foods Corp. on Oct. 30.

AUSTIN, MINN. — Jeffrey M. Ettinger will retire as chief executive officer of Hormel Foods Corp. on Oct. 30. He will continue to serve as chairman of the board. James P. Snee, currently president and chief operating officer, has been named to succeed Mr. Ettinger as c.e.o.

Mr. Ettinger, who joined Hormel Foods in 1989, was chairman, president and c.e.o. from November 2006 to October 2015, when Mr. Snee was named president. Mr. Ettinger has held a number of positions at Hormel, including senior attorney, product manager for Hormel chili products and treasurer. In 1999, he became president of Jennie-O Turkey Store, the company’s largest subsidiary. He advanced to the role of president of Hormel Foods in 2004. He has been a member of the company’s board of directors since 2004 and currently is on the boards of The Toro Co., Ecolab, Inc., the North American Meat Institute, the Grocery Manufacturers Association, the Hormel Foundation, the Hormel Institute and the Minnesota Business Partnership.

“It has been an honor to lead this great company alongside our dedicated employees around the world,” Mr. Ettinger said. “Hormel Foods has a 125-year legacy of delivering quality and innovation, as well as meaningful value to all of our stakeholders. As Jim takes the helm, I am confident that Hormel Foods will continue its growth trajectory as he and the team build on our strong foundation of success.”

Under Mr. Ettinger’s leadership, the company has grown through strategic acquisitions, diversifying with such brands as Wholly Guacamole, Skippy, Muscle Milk, Applegate and Justin’s brands.

“Jeff has expertly piloted the company to significant growth and success during his tenure, leading a talented management team in the delivery of strong and consistent returns to Hormel Foods shareholders,” said John L. Morrison, the board’s lead director. “While Jeff will certainly be missed, I am equally as confident in the leadership of Jim Snee as he assumes the role of c.e.o.”

James P. Snee, Hormel
James P. Snee, currently president and c.o.o. of Hormel, will succeed Mr. Ettinger as c.e.o.

Mr. Snee has been president and c.o.o. since October 2015, leading all of Hormel’s business segments and global operations, including Grocery Products, Refrigerated Foods, Specialty Foods, Jennie-O Turkey Store and International & Other. Since joining Hormel in 1989, Mr. Snee has held various roles within the company, including food service area manager, food service regional sales manager, manager of inventory and distribution for the Refrigerated Foods segment, director of purchasing and vice-president of affiliated business units. He became vice-president of Hormel Foods and senior vice-president of Hormel Foods International Corp. at the end of fiscal year 2011 and was appointed group vice-president of Hormel Foods and president of Hormel Foods International Corp. in October 2012.

“Jim is a 27-year veteran of the company and served as president and chief operating officer for the last year,” Mr. Morrison said. “His excellent performance in this role, along with his successful experience in running the company’s International division and prior significant leadership roles in the affiliated foods and food service units within Refrigerated Foods, positions the company to continue to deliver outstanding results to its shareholders.”