Tyson Foods appoints new COO as supply-chain chief exits over code breach
Devin Cole takes on COO role overseeing multiple divisions.
USA – Tyson Foods is naming Devin Cole, head of its poultry division, as chief operating officer following the sudden departure of its supply-chain leader.
The US meat processor confirmed Cole’s promotion while disclosing that Brady Stewart, chief supply chain officer, has left after taking actions the company said breached its code of conduct.
Cole will now manage operations across poultry, beef, pork, prepared foods and the company’s international businesses.
His appointment comes after Tyson had last kept the COO post vacant since 2021, when Donnie King moved from that role into the top executive position.
Earlier this year in February, both Cole and Stewart were elevated to expanded leadership posts, with Cole becoming group president of poultry and Stewart taking on oversight of prepared foods in addition to beef, pork and supply chain.
Following Stewart’s exit, Cole will continue to report directly to King, who remains president and chief executive.
In addition, Tyson confirmed that supply chain, food safety, health and safety, environmental management and transport will now be overseen directly by King.
King said the company is entering its new fiscal year with positive momentum and added that he expects Cole’s leadership to guide the business effectively.
Tyson Foods said it will announce more adjustments to its structure and leadership before the start of its 2026 fiscal year on 28 September.
Leadership Changes
The announcement follows other senior-level departures, including that of John R. Tyson, the company’s former chief financial officer, who left in June 2024 after being suspended for a driving while intoxicated offence.
Despite initially pleading not guilty, Tyson later admitted to the charge and was named a company director in May 2025.
Financial Performance
In its third-quarter results ending 28 June, Tyson Foods reported sales of US$13.88bn, a 4% increase from the prior year’s quarter.
Operating income fell by 23.8% to US$260m due to a goodwill impairment of US$343m.
Net income declined 64.8% to US$69m compared with US$196m in the same period last year.
For the first nine months of 2025, total sales rose 2.1% to US$40.58bn, while operating income increased 6.3% to US$940m.
Net income for the same period slipped by 2% to US$449m.
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