Peco Foods announces retirement of executive

Peco Foods, one of the nation’s largest poultry companies, announces the retirement of Chairman Denny Hickman after a lifetime of service guiding the company to its position as an industry leader. With a reputation for loyalty and public service, Denny has remained an industry steward taking active roles with the National Chicken Council, Alabama Poultry & Egg Association and Mississippi Poultry Association, including being inducted into both the Alabama Poultry Hall of Fame and Mississippi Poultry Hall of Fame. Learning the poultry industry at an early age, Denny worked in the family business alongside his father, Peco Foods founder John Herman Hickman, eventually being elected as president of Peco Foods in 1987. The following decade triggered remarkable growth for the company as a result of his ambitious decision-making backed by industry insights.

“By his personal example, Denny has taught us to maintain personal and professional integrity at the highest level and at all times,” said Peco Foods President and CEO Mark Hickman, past USPOULTRY board member. “His focus on operational efficiencies and performance has been an absolutely critical key to our success. Furthermore, he has inspired us to achieve greatness while leading with humility as well as wisdom, and we will carry that legacy into the future.”