AUSTIN, MINN. — Hormel Foods Corp. announced that Jeff Baker, current group vice president of retail marketing for value-added meats, will assume the role of group VP for retail marketing at the end of the company’s fiscal 2025. Baker will succeed Scott Aakre, who announced his retirement on May 15.

In his new role, Baker will oversee Hormel’s brand portfolio to ensure it evolves to meet the changing consumer preferences. He will amplify its presence in snacking and entertaining and drive growth in its food-forward portfolio.

“Jeff is one of our most seasoned executives and has a strong track record of growth and a reputation for strategic thinking,” said Jim Snee, president and chief executive officer of Hormel Foods. “I’m confident that under his guidance, our brands will continue to grow, evolve and stay closely connected to the needs of today’s consumers.”

Baker has been with Hormel Foods for over three decades after joining the company in 1990. He has since held various positions of increasing responsibility from sales to product management to marketing. In 2012, he advanced to VP of marketing for foodservice, and three years later, he was promoted to group VP of foodservice. In 2018, Baker was named group VP of deli. Then, in 2022, he assumed his current role under the value-added meats division.

Aakre, current group VP and chief marketing officer for retail, is retiring at the end of the year after 35 years of service with the company.

Aakre serves on The Hormel Foundation board, and, as of May 15, he is now also a member on the Hormel Foods board of directors.

“Scott has been a tremendous asset to our organization, and we have been incredibly fortunate to benefit from his leadership, creativity and business expertise for over three decades,” Snee said. “Austin, Minn., is both Scott’s hometown and the home of Hormel Foods, and we are grateful he chose to build his career here with us. I’m delighted he will continue to support the company beyond his retirement as a member of the Hormel Foods board of directors.”

With Aakre’s appointment, the Hormel Foods board has 12 members.

“We are pleased to welcome Scott to the Hormel Foods board of directors,” said Bill Newlands, chairman of the Hormel Foods board. “His marketing experience has helped strengthen the connection between the company’s brands and the people who love them, and he is a champion for the Austin, Minn., community.”

Aakre joined Hormel Foods in 1990 and held a variety of management positions for the company before being named VP of marketing for grocery products in 2005. Aakre transitioned to VP of corporate innovation and new product development in 2011. Then, in 2022, he became senior VP of Brand Fuel. He assumed his current position in 2023.

In April 2025, Aakre was appointed to The Hormel Foundation board, an unaffiliated non-profit organization with a charitable mission that beneficially owns about 46% of the company’s common stock. Additionally, Aakre has served on the United Way of Mower County board in the past.

Aakre earned his bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in business administration from the University of Minnesota.

“It’s been incredibly rewarding to be part of this company’s journey over the past 35 years,” Aakre said. “I’m honored to join the Hormel Foods board and support the company’s continued success in this new capacity. As a recently appointed director of The Hormel Foundation, I look forward to representing The Hormel Foundation and all of our shareholders.”