Tom Hayes, Tyson Foods
 Tom Hayes assumed the role of president and c.e.o. of Tyson Foods on Dec. 31, 2016.

SPRINGDALE, ARK. — Tyson Foods, Inc. has announced a new senior leadership team a little over a month after Tom Hayes assumed the role of president and chief executive officer on Dec. 31, 2016. The enhanced structure will increase focus on consumers, customers, technology and sustainability, the company said.

Members of the new leadership team will report to Mr. Hayes and include: Sally Grimes, president, North American Retail; Andy Callahan, president, North American Foodservice & International; Noel White, chief operations officer; Monica McGurk, chief growth officer; Dennis Leatherby, chief financial officer; Scott Rouse, chief customer officer; David Van Bebber, general counsel; Devin Graham, interim chief technology officer; Mary Oleksiuk, chief human resources officer; and a yet-to-be-named chief sustainability officer.

“These important changes better align our management structure to our purpose and strategy,” Mr. Hayes said. “This new structure will facilitate efficiency and growth, as well as lay the foundation for strong leadership and management continuity. I’m deeply proud that we were able to fill most of these roles from within, tapping the abundance of talent and dedication we have here at Tyson Foods.”

In connection with these appointments, the company announced the departures of Donnie King, president, North American Operations; Sara Lilygren, executive vice-president, corporate affairs; and Gary Cooper, chief information officer. The departures will be effective over a period of months to ensure a seamless transition.

“Today’s announcement underscores our commitment to having the best possible management team in place, which will be crucial to achieving our objectives and continued excellence,” Mr. Hayes said. “On behalf of the board and management, I would like to thank Donnie, Sara and Gary for their hard work and meaningful contributions to Tyson Foods. As a result of their efforts, we are well positioned to execute against our priorities and realize long-term value for our stakeholders. We wish them well.”

Mr. Hayes has spent 29 years in the consumer products industry. In June 2016 he was promoted to president of Tyson Foods. Prior to that, Mr. Hayes was chief commercial officer at Tyson Foods, and before that he was president of food service. Previously, Mr. Hayes was chief supply chain officer for Hillshire Brands.

This past December during a presentation with the investment community, he outlined his priorities for the company going forward, which include initiatives around next stage growth in protein, a proactive approach to sustainability, innovation, and strategic investments that may involve additional acquisitions.