Pilgrim's Pride CEO Don Jackson will step down from his position with the company to become the president and CEO of JBS USA, Pilgrim's parent company.
William Lovette, president and COO of Case Foods Inc., has been appointed by the Pilgrim's board of directors to take Jackson's place as president and CEO, effective Jan. 3, 2011.
Jackson became CEO of Pilgrim's Pride in 2008 as the company was going through bankruptcy. “He’s led an incredible turnaround at Pilgrim’s,” said Gary Rhodes, Pilgrim’s spokesman. “He joined us weeks after we filed bankruptcy and…he helped direct the successful reorganization of Pilgrim’s and helped reposition the company as a leaner, stronger competitor in the chicken business.” JBS S.A. bought Pilgrim's in 2009.
Jackson will report to Wesley Batista, the current president and CEO of JBS who will remain on as chairman of both Pilgrim's and JBS USA.
