AUSTIN, MINN. — Hormel Foods Corp. announced Scott Aakre will oversee the new Brand Fuel center of excellence as senior vice president. He will also continue to lead global innovations and insights.

In August, the company shared its new operating model, including Brand Fuel, the new hub for innovation, consumer and shopper insights, brand diagnostics, and supporting technology to track the retail segment.

“Our iconic and industry-leading brands will continue to require a strategic focus and investment,” said Jim Snee, chairman of the board, president and chief executive officer of Hormel Foods. “Scott is an incredibly talented leader who understands the importance of our brands and products and how they meet the needs of today’s, and tomorrow’s, consumers. Scott’s experience gained over the past 30 years with Hormel Foods will be invaluable as we continue to support our portfolio of brands to ensure their relevance for decades to come.”

Joining Hormel in 1990, Aakre held various management positions before becoming group product manager of Grocery Products in 2003 and director of marketing for Grocery Products later that year. In 2005, he was promoted to vice president of marketing for Grocery Products. He assumed his current position as vice president of corporate innovation and new product development in 2011.

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