SARASOTA, FLA. — Boar’s Head Brand appointed Natalie Dyenson as chief food safety officer effective May 12, in charge of leading the company’s comprehensive food safety program.

Dyenson’s hiring is one of a series of food safety initiatives implemented following a deadly outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes.

“Dyenson brings nearly three decades of distinguished experience in food safety to Boar’s Head, marked by a proven track record of developing and implementing robust food safety programs,” the company said. “Her deep understanding of the regulatory landscape, industry best practices, and innovative food safety technologies will be instrumental in reinforcing Boar’s Head’s commitment to consumer safety and well-being.”

Dyenson will leverage her extensive expertise to ensure the continued integrity of Boar’s Head products, and she will also work closely with Boar’s Head Food Safety Advisory Council on continuous innovations and enhancements to the company’s safety and quality processes.

“We are delighted to welcome Natalie Dyenson to the Boar’s Head family,” said Frank Carzo, chief human resources officer. “Her expertise and unwavering dedication to food safety perfectly align with our mission to provide consumers with premium, trustworthy products. We look forward to benefitting from Natalie’s leadership as we further elevate our already stringent food safety protocols and reinforce our commitment to excellence.”

Prior to joining Boar’s Head, Dyenson served as the chief regulatory and food safety officer for the International Fresh Produce Association. She also served in leadership roles as vice president of Food Safety and Quality at Dole Food Company, as well as significant positions at Walmart and Walt Disney World. Her experience also spans roles at Silliker, Kash n’ Karry Supermarkets and Harris Teeter, providing a comprehensive understanding of the food supply chain.

“I am honored to join Boar’s Head, a company with a long-standing reputation for quality and a dedication to high standards,” Dyenson said. “I am passionate about ensuring the safety of our food supply, and I look forward to working with the team at Boar’s Head to further enhance its food safety programs and maintain the trust of consumers.”

Boar’s Head shuttered a Jarratt, Va., processing plant where the contaminated products were manufactured.

The company later formed a Food Safety Council in 2024 of independent food experts to help guide the company in adopting improved food safety programs.