USA – James P. “Jim” Snee is set to retire from his role as chairman, president, and CEO of Hormel Foods Corporation by the close of fiscal year 2025, which ends in late October.
Hormel’s board of directors has initiated a search for his replacement, considering both internal and external candidates as part of the company’s CEO succession process.
Snee has agreed to remain with Hormel as a strategic advisor after his successor is named, continuing in this capacity through the end of fiscal year 2025 and for an additional 18 months.
Snee began his career at Hormel in 1989, starting in the foodservice division.
Over the years, he held a variety of leadership roles, eventually being named president and chief operating officer in 2015.
The following year, he was promoted to CEO and took on the role of board chairman in 2017.
Under his leadership, Hormel expanded its portfolio of protein-focused brands, including the acquisition of the Planters snack line, the Fontanini foodservice brand, and the South America-oriented Ceratti brand.
Snee also implemented operational changes aimed at improving customer focus and launched the Transform & Modernize initiative to drive future growth.
The company also continued its longstanding record of annual dividend increases, marking 59 consecutive years of growth as of November 2024.
Snee remains a candidate for reelection to the board at Hormel’s annual meeting in January 2025.
If elected, he will serve as a director until a new CEO is appointed.
In another leadership change, Hormel promoted Mike Clausman to vice president, deputy general counsel, and assistant secretary in December 2024.
Clausman will oversee legal matters related to brand development, commercial transactions, mergers and acquisitions, and intellectual property.
Clausman, who joined Hormel in 2011 after practicing law for nearly a decade in Minneapolis, previously served as assistant general counsel, transactions.
He will report to Colleen Batcheler, senior vice president of external affairs and general counsel.
Batcheler stated that Clausman’s experience and familiarity with the company’s operations make him well-suited for his expanded responsibilities.
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