AUSTIN, MINN. - Hormel Foods Corp. announced on Feb. 4 that Nathan Annis will succeed Fred Halvin as vice president of corporate development. Annis currently works as the director of investor relations, business planning and analysis. Halvin will be retiring after 37 years with the food manufacturer.

Hormel said Annis will be responsible for strategic planning, mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures and strategic partnerships. Annis started his career at Hormel as a senior financial analyst in 2006. He’s worked in various positions with marketing, financial analysis and investor relations.

Annis worked as an analyst for the US Department of Defense before joining Hormel. He holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Gustavus Adolphus College, a master’s degree in operations research from George Mason University and a master of business administration degree from the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management.

“The pathway from investor relations into corporate development has proven to be a successful model for Hormel Foods, and one that will continue with Nathan, as he brings his own unique skill set to the role,” said Jim Snee, chairman of the board, president and chief executive officer of Hormel Foods. “Nathan has an impressive understanding of the industry, strong analytical, finance and business planning skills, and a keen understanding of our financial and growth imperatives. I am confident he is well positioned to be successful in this important role.”

Snee expressed his appreciation for Halvin’s contributions over the years.

“Fred has been a key leader for all of our transformational acquisitions over the past decade and has been instrumental in the Hormel Foods journey to become the global branded food company that we are today,” he said. “I wish Fred all the best in his retirement and thank him for his outstanding contributions over the last 37 years.”