Jeffrey M. Ettinger, chairman of the board and chief executive officer of Hormel Foods, was named Executive of the Year in the 2016 Best in Biz Awards International competition. Gold, silver and bronze levels are awarded in the Executive of the Year category, and Ettinger was named a gold winner. Ettinger was also named one of the World's Best CEOs by Barron's earlier this year.
One of the judges stated, “While you might not associate food companies with innovation, Hormel Foods is great example of responding to changing trends as consumers look for more healthy and nutritious choices. What most impressed me is how their CEO, Jeffrey Ettinger, has kept the company at the forefront of change while consistently posting solid financial results. What also struck me was how their vision of success goes beyond the executive suite, particularly in terms of supporting a diverse workplace and giving back to the global community by donating food to countries in need.”