Pilgrim's Pride Corp. has announced that its Board of Directors has approved the appointment of Jayson Penn, current President of Pilgrim's USA, to succeed Bill Lovette, who is retiring from the position of President and Chief Executive Officer of Pilgrim's Pride. Lovette will remain available to provide strategic advisory services to the company through July 2020.
"Jayson Penn has enjoyed a distinguished career in the poultry industry and has played an integral role in the success of Pilgrim's over the last eight years," said Gilberto Tomazoni, Chairman of the Board of Directors. "Since joining the company in March 2011, Jayson has exemplified the leadership qualities, passion to succeed and business acumen that make him the ideal candidate to assume this role. The Board's decision is further validation of the Pilgrim's strategy, implemented in 2012, to create a unique, diversified portfolio across multiple geographies, with a focus on key customers and operational excellence, to generate more consistent and higher margins. Jayson has been at the forefront of this strategy and we are confident in his ability to continue to create shareholder value.