AUSTIN, MINN. – Swen Neufeldt has been named group vice president and president of Hormel Foods International Corp. He succeeds Larry Vorpahl, who plans to retire after 34 years with the company.
“Larry has played an important role in our growth and success during his 34 years with our company,” said Jim Snee, president and chief executive officer of Hormel Foods. “Larry’s career has touched virtually every business within Hormel Foods. As he moves into retirement, he can look back with pride on his substantial impact on our culture, talent and global footprint. We will certainly miss Larry, but I know this next phase of his life will be as dynamic as his tenure with Hormel Foods.”
Mr. Vorpahl joined Hormel Foods in 1986 and held several senior-level positions in product management, marketing and sales during his career.
Mr. Neufeldt currently is vice president of meat product and marketing at Hormel’s Refrigerated Foods division. He started with Hormel Foods in grocery products sales and product management. In 1999, Mr. Neufeldt moved into the company’s international business, where he spent most of his career.
“Swen brings a wealth of international and strategic business experience to the position, having served as general manager of our China business and president of Asia Pacific for many years,” Mr. Snee said. “His global perspective will be important as we continue to focus on accelerating growth outside of North America.”
Lisa Selk will take over Mr. Neufeld’s portion as vice president of Meat Products marketing for Refrigerated Foods. Ms. Selk currently works as director of Hormel Health Labs and the company’s CFI business.
Ms. Selk previously worked with the company’s Cytosport business, which was sold to PepsiCo, Inc. in 2019. Before CytoSport, Ms. Selk was the marketing director for a portfolio of Hormel Foods brands in the grocery products division. She joined Hormel in 1998 as a food scientist in the research and development area and has since held brand management and innovation leadership roles in multiple divisions, including the meat products division.
“Lisa has a strong background for this position,” Mr. Snee said. “She has led a business, built brands and understands the importance of putting the consumer first in innovation and marketing. With this strong consumer brand focus, I am confident she will be successful in this new role.”