Hormel Foods Corp. announced the appointment of Jeff Baker, group vice president, Foodservice, to the newly created role of group vice president, Deli. Baker will report to Tom Day, executive vice president, Refrigerated Foods.

In this new role, Baker will lead all of the deli offerings from across the enterprise, including Columbus Craft Meats, the Jennie-O Turkey Store deli division, the Hormel and DiLusso deli brands and Hormel Gatherings party trays. As the retail deli category continues to grow, the new deli group will offer an unmatched array of innovative solutions for retailers to expand this channel.

“The deli space is an on-trend and growing category for today’s retailer. In addition to behind-the-glass and grab-and-go deli offerings, we have seen a shift toward more foodservice offerings with growth in prepared foods and in-store restaurants,” said Jim Snee, chairman of the board, president and chief executive officer, Hormel Foods. “Jeff brings extensive deli knowledge and a strong culture of delivering innovative solutions to our customers and operators from the Hormel Foodservice division. Jeff will be working closely with Joe Ennen, currently president and chief executive officer, Columbus Craft Meats, and other Hormel Foods business leaders, to unite all of our deli offerings into one dynamic organization that will deliver growth for years to come.”

Additionally, the company announced leadership changes in the Foodservice business.

Mark Ourada, vice president, Foodservice sales, will advance to group vice president, Foodservice, bringing 30 years of foodservice leadership to the business. David Weber, vice president, Foodservice marketing, will advance to vice president, Foodservice sales. Weber has 26 years of leadership in foodservice.

“Our Foodservice team has delivered strong, industry-leading growth as they partner with operators to help differentiate their menus with innovative, great-tasting offerings. Mark and David each bring a wealth of experience to this high-growth business and I look forward to continued success under their leadership,” added Snee.

Source: Hormel Foods Corp.