AUSTIN, MINN. — Natosha Walsh has been promoted to senior vice-president of consumer products sales (CPS) and vice-president of Hormel Foods, effective at the start of fiscal 2019. Ms. Walsh will succeed Kurt Mueller, who announced his intent to retire after 39 years with the company.

Ms. Walsh has been with Hormel Foods for 19 years, most recently as director of sales for Albertsons Companies. She earlier was director of sales for the Safeway team, senior brand manager of the microwave portfolio, customer business manager for the mid-Central team and customer trade marketing manager. She began her career at Hormel as a territory manager.

Hormel said Ms. Walsh has been a driver for advancement of women with CPS and throughout Hormel, serving as a member of the company’s employee resource group Women’s Insights Network from its inception.

Ms. Walsh received a bachelor’s degree in marketing and international business from Kansas State University.

“Natosha is well prepared to assume Kurt’s responsibilities and has earned a reputation for being a customer-focused leader,” said Deanna Brady, group vice-president of CPS at Hormel Foods. “I look forward to Natosha providing leadership and bold thinking to the sales organization.”

Mr. Mueller joined Hormel in 1979 in sales and advanced through various sales roles before becoming a product manager, district manager and director of retail marketing. His career continued to advance in sales and marketing, and he was named senior vice-president of business planning for CPS in 2004 and then assumed his current role in 2014. He received a bachelor’s degree in business administration and marketing from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.

“Kurt has been a strong leader in the CPS organization, driving growth and providing mentorship to our sales teams throughout our business,” said James P. Snee, president and chief executive officer. “We congratulate him on a great career and wish him all the best in his upcoming retirement.”