Tyson Foods announced Nov. 19 that the Board of Directors of Tyson Foods has chosen Donnie Smith, currently senior group vice president of Poultry and Prepared Foods, to be the company's president and chief executive officer, effective immediately.
Additionally, Jim Lochner, currently senior group vice president of Fresh Meats, has been named the company's chief operating officer.
Smith joined Tyson Foods in 1980 after graduating from the University of Tennessee with a degree in animal science. Lochner joined IBP Inc., later purchased by Tyson, in 1983 as director of research.
Leland Tollett, who has been serving as interim president and CEO of the company since January, will continue in the coming months to assist Smith and Lochner in the transition, and he will be available for strategic advice and support.
