AUSTIN, MINN. — Hormel Foods Corp. announced that Jeffrey M. Ettinger, chairman of The Hormel Foundation, has been re-appointed to the company’s board of directors, effective March 21.

The Hormel Foundation is an unaffiliated non-profit organization that owns approximately 46% of Hormel Foods outstanding common stock.

Ettinger served Hormel Foods for nearly three decades, retiring in 2016 after his tenure as president and chief executive officer of the company. He also previously served on the Hormel Foods board of directors.

“We are happy to welcome Jeff Ettinger back to the Hormel Foods board of directors,” said Bill Newlands, chairman of the Hormel Foods board. “During his tenure with the company and as chairman for our largest shareholder, Jeff has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to supporting Hormel Foods, our shareholders and our hometown of Austin, Minn.

“We are proud to continue to evolve and deepen our relationship with The Hormel Foundation, which was established more than 80 years ago by company founders George A. Hormel and his son Jay, to support the vibrancy and success of Hormel Foods for generations to come.”

Ettinger will join the board’s Governance Committee and CEO Search Committee.

“Returning to the Hormel Foods board of directors is a privilege and honor,” Ettinger said. “I look forward to representing The Hormel Foundation and all shareholders while working with the board and management to help shape the next chapter of growth for Hormel Foods, rooted in our Austin, Minn., community.”

In addition to Ettinger’s appointment, Hormel announced two leadership advancements within its retail business segment. Scott Weisenbeck was promoted to vice president of marketing for retail, and Joe O’Connor was promoted to vice president of emerging brands for retail.

“These advancements recognize Scott and Joe’s leadership, ability to deliver results and positions them to have greater impact as we continue to grow our retail business,” said Jim Snee, president and CEO at Hormel Foods. “I congratulate Scott and Joe on their new and important leadership roles.”

Weisenbeck joined Hormel in 1992 as a sales representative in the Denver, Colo., area. After serving in various territory manager roles, he became an associate brand manager in Hormel’s former Meat Products division at the corporate office in 1997. In 2005, he was named group brand manager for Meat Products. Weisenbeck transitioned to marketing roles a few years later. Then, in 2022, he was named assistant vice president of bacon, where he was instrumental in driving growth and innovation in the bacon category. His new role allows him to bring his expertise to a broader portfolio of brands.

O’Connor began his career with Hormel in 2006 as a sales representative in the Chicago market. In 2012, he served as a national category manager at the World Headquarters in Austin, Minn., and then became a customer business manager for metro chains and Puerto Rico in 2013. He was named director of sales in 2018. A couple years later, O’Connor joined the Applegate team as vice president of sales and marketing. He assumed his current role as president of Applegate and assistant vice president of Hormel in 2022.

In his new position, O’Connor will leverage his understanding of the premium consumer base to lead Hormel’s emerging brands business, including Applegate and Justin’s.

“Scott and Joe’s leadership comes at an important time as we continue to strengthen our brands and drive growth,” said John Ghingo, executive vice president of retail at Hormel Foods. “I am excited for them to bring their strategic insights and expertise to these roles, further positioning our brands and our businesses for the future.”