Smithfield Foods, Inc. announced that Kenneth M. Sullivan, currently executive vice president and chief financial officer, has been named president and chief operating officer. In addition, Glenn T. Nunziata has been appointed chief financial officer, succeeding Sullivan in that role. Both appointments are effective October 1, 2015.

In his new role as president and chief operating officer, Sullivan will assume the day-to-day operating responsibility for the company's fresh pork, packaged meats and hog production divisions located in the United States, as well as international sales/exports, among other responsibilities. Sullivan was named executive vice president earlier this year in addition to his role as chief financial officer. He has held a number of positions within the finance organization including serving as vice president of finance from 2010 to 2013 and chief accounting officer from 2007 to 2013. Prior to joining Smithfield in 2003, Sullivan spent twelve years at large public accounting and consulting firms serving a variety of clients in the manufacturing, technology and government contracting sectors.

"At the start of this year, we launched a new organizational structure to support Smithfield's market position as a global leader in branded packaged meats and position the company to take advantage of additional opportunities for growth," said C. Larry Pope, president and chief executive officer. "With our new structure in place, we have already been able to better utilize management talent across the Company as planned and today's senior leadership appointments make our team even stronger."

Pope added, "I am delighted to promote Ken to this new role and to recognize his numerous contributions to Smithfield in the 12 years he has been part of our company. Ken has demonstrated outstanding leadership guiding our company through many complex financial issues over the years. He is a critical and valued member of our leadership team, and has played an important role in developing and executing our company's strategy. As CEO, I look forward to continuing to collaborate with Ken as he takes on new responsibilities in his new capacity. At the same time, I am pleased to be able to increase my focus on setting the vision and strategy for Smithfield and working more closely with teams across the Company in implementing our strategic initiatives."

As chief financial officer, Nunziata will assume leadership of Smithfield's finance, treasury, risk management, accounting and IT functions. He most recently served as a Partner in Assurance Services at Ernst & Young, having been with Ernst & Young for 19 years. He has extensive accounting experience serving multi-national and high growth companies, as well as in matters pertaining to internal controls and corporate governance. He is a member of the Virginia and New York Societies of Certified Public Accountants and earned his M.S. and B.B.A from James Madison University.

Pope stated, "Glenn's strong experience in accounting, finance, M&A, and management, make him an ideal candidate for the role of chief financial officer. I am thrilled to welcome him to the Smithfield family. I am confident that Glenn's expertise will enable him to transition smoothly into the organization and immediately add value to our leadership team as we continue to execute our strategy to position Smithfield as a global leader in packaged meats."

Additionally, Smithfield announced the creation of two new senior leadership roles designed to enhance the Company's ongoing commitment to lead the industry in innovation. William Brunt has been named Senior Vice President and Chief Innovation Officer, effective August 31, 2015. Additionally, Jeff Warner has been hired as Vice President of Innovation for the Packaged Meats Division, effective August 24, 2015.

In his new role, Brunt will oversee Smithfield's Innovation Center and have responsibility for new product development within existing categories and new categories as the Company focuses on being a global leader in branded packaged meats. Brunt will also continue as Senior Vice President of Marketing for several of the Company's core brands, including Smithfield.

As Vice President of Innovation for the Packaged Meats Division, Warner will report directly to Brunt and will oversee the Innovation Center team. Warner brings more than 20 years of experience to this new role, including 18 years with Heinz North America in roles of increasing responsibility spanning innovation, research & development, marketing and engineering. Warner holds a Bachelor of Science and MBA from Penn State, and is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America.

Pope stated, "Establishing these new senior leadership positions demonstrates Smithfield's further commitment to building a company-wide culture of innovation, while remaining true to our core motto of providing customers with 'Good food. Responsibly.' We believe that innovation and thought leadership will ignite future growth in our Packaged Meats division and for the Company overall."

Pope continued, "Under our new structure, we are continuing to strengthen our team and utilize management talent across the organization in the best way possible. I look forward to the valuable contributions Will and Jeff will both make to the Smithfield family in their new roles."

Source: Smithfield Foods Inc.