WICHITA, Kan. – Cargill Meat Solutions on Wednesday announced changes to the company’s senior leadership team. Bill Rupp, business unit leader of Cargill Beef and president of Cargill Meat Solutions, will leave the company Feb. 1, 2009, to pursue philanthropic and entrepreneurial opportunities.

John Keating, business unit leader for the Case Ready Beef and Cargill Regional Beef businesses, will assume Rupp’s role as head of Cargill Beef.

Jody Horner, business unit leader of Cargill Salt, will replace Keating at Case Ready Beef. She will also serve as president of Cargill Meat Solutions, succeeding Rupp. Horner will relocate to Wichita from Minneapolis.

Bill Thoni, who has been business unit leader for Cargill Beef Canada, will assume Keating’s responsibility for Cargill Regional Beef and lead the beef business in eastern Canada.

“I spent the last year thinking carefully about the next stage of my life and have been looking at several options including philanthropy and business ventures,” said Rupp. “I have had the pleasure of working with thousands of great people at Cargill Meat Solutions and Cargill. Over the next 6 months, I will be transitioning my responsibilities to ensure that my successors are prepared to assume my role.”

Source: Cargill Meat Solutions