Hormel Foods Appoints New President and Acting CEO
John Ghingo, a seasoned executive with over 15 years of experience in the food industry, has been promoted to the position of President of Hormel Foods, effective July 14, 2025. Ghingo will also join the Hormel Foods board of directors.
Ghingo's appointment comes as the company prepares for a significant transition. The CEO search committee has been dissolved, and the board plans to install the permanent CEO in October 2026. In the interim, Jeffrey M. Ettinger, a current member of the Hormel board of directors, will return to the company as interim CEO for a 15-month period.
As President, Ghingo will oversee the company's retail, foodservice, and international business segments. He will also directly succeed Deanna Brady as head of Hormel's retail business this fall. In his role, Ghingo will be responsible for leading the company's overall strategy and operations, as well as supporting leadership in advancing Hormel Foods’ retail strategy and brand-building efforts.
Ghingo's expertise lies in consumer-relevant innovation, brand building, and strategy. He has publicly endorsed other executives' leadership roles under his presidency, highlighting his instrumental role in continuing to elevate the company’s presence and growth in retail and snacking sectors. For example, he praised Paul Peil’s leadership in the Fresh and Ready Meats vertical and Christie Crouch’s role in brand-building for snacking and entertaining brands.
John Ghingo is only the 11th person to hold the role in the company's nearly 135-year history. His promotion marks a significant milestone for Hormel Foods, a global food company with about $12 billion in annual revenue.
The charcuterie trend remains hot and is evolving with growing consumer demand and new solutions offered by retailers and brands. Changes are occurring in the deli department as grab-and-go items and prepared food gain popularity due to labor issues affecting the service counter.
Hormel's brands include Planters, Skippy, Spam, Hormel Natural Choice, Applegate, Justin's, Wholly, Hormel Black Label, Columbus, Jennie-O, and over 30 other popular brands. The company's focus on innovation and growth is reflected in its diverse portfolio of consumer brands.
During the interim period, the company's corporate functions will report to Ettinger. Ettinger's valuable experience with the public markets and investment community, as well as his deep understanding of Hormel’s culture, will complement Ghingo’s expertise.
Scott Weisenbeck and Joe O'Connor have been elevated to broader VP roles within the company. Ghingo currently heads the company's largest business unit and oversees its portfolio of consumer brands in his position as EVP for retail.
Jeffrey M. Ettinger, who was previously the ninth president of Hormel Foods before being elevated to CEO, is stepping down as chairman of The Hormel Foundation but will continue serving as a board member after his transition to Hormel’s interim CEO.
The promotion of John Ghingo to President of Hormel Foods signifies a new era for the company, with a focus on strategic leadership and growth across its business segments. The company's commitment to innovation, brand building, and consumer-relevant solutions is expected to drive its continued success in the food industry.
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