USA – Tyson Foods has announced that its board of directors has named independent director Dean Banks as the new president of the company, effective December 20, 2019.

In his new role, Banks will oversee the company’s business segments while reporting to Noel White, currently president and chief executive officer. White will continue as CEO of Tyson Foods.

Banks will also remain a member of the Tyson Foods board and will be considered a non‐independent director. He was appointed as a member of the board of directors of Tyson Foods in November 2017.

Banks brings deep leadership experience and a background in entrepreneurship, innovation and technology to Tyson Foods.

He joins the Tyson Foods enterprise leadership team from X, an Alphabet Inc. company (formerly known as Google [x]), where he has been a member of the leadership team since 2016 and started and led multiple projects.

John Tyson, chairman of the board of directors, said, “Dean brings a unique skills set and broad experience – including serving as a Marine, an entrepreneur, a start‐up investor, and a technologist – that will augment our next generation of leadership as it shapes the future of our company.”

Noel White added, “At a time of unprecedented change in the protein industry, we’re focused on capitalizing on our diversified business model and innovation to execute our growth strategy.

“As we increasingly integrate advanced technologies into our operations, we’re pleased to add a leader of Dean’s caliber to our leadership team.

“From his service on the Tyson Foods board, Dean has developed a keen understanding of our business to go with his deep knowledge of the technologies and innovations that can help unlock opportunities now and in the future.

“I look forward to working closely with Dean as we drive Tyson Foods’ global growth in the future.”

Dean Banks said, “In the two years that I have had the privilege of serving on the Tyson Foods board, I have been impressed with the company’s forward‐thinking leadership and the ability of such a venerable institution to adapt and thrive as a modern food company.

“I am honored to join Noel and his team as we continue to take bold actions to drive growth for the company now and into the future.”