Hormel Foods Corp. announced the retirement of James R. Hoffman, vice president of Hormel Foods International Corporation (HFIC) for the Americas, effective January 27, 2012.

“Jim’s leadership and expertise in managing the Americas business has allowed us to grow the presence of our products,” said Richard A. Bross, group vice president at Hormel Foods and president of HFIC. “We wish Jim and his wife, Pam, the best in retirement.”

Maureen A. Lilly will succeed Hoffman as vice president of HFIC for the Americas. She will oversee the sales and marketing of consumer products and foodservice for Canada, the Caribbean, Central America, Mexico and South America. Lilly joined Hormel Foods in 2003 as the HFIC international sales and marketing manager for Canada. The Canadian business has grown nicely under her leadership, the company says. She will start her new responsibilities on Jan. 30, 2012, upon Hoffman’s retirement.

Cheryl Berry will replace Lilly as HFIC international sales and marketing manager for Canada. She will oversee the sales and marketing of consumer products and foodservice for Canada. Berry has more than 20 years of experience in consumer packaged goods, which includes working in retail, foodservice and industrial sales and marketing. Her experience includes working as the region account manager at Golden Gate Margarine, region account manager at Unilever and director of private label sales and marketing at E.D. Smith & Sons.

“We are excited to welcome Cheryl to the HFIC team,” Lilly said. “Based on her previous experience, we look forward to the contributions she will make to continue growing the Canadian business.”

Source: Hormel Foods Corp.