Hormel Foods appoints John Ghingo as CEO, succeeding Jeff Ettinger

USA – Hormel Foods has appointed its president, John Ghingo, as chief executive officer, with the leadership transition set to take effect on 26 October.

Ghingo will succeed Jeff Ettinger, who has led the US food manufacturer since 2025 after returning on an interim basis following the retirement of former president and chief executive officer Jim Snee.

The appointment will see Ghingo retain his position on the company’s board of directors, while Ettinger will also continue serving as a board member after handing over executive responsibilities.

Ghingo said he was honoured to lead Hormel Foods and plans to build on the company’s existing strengths by investing in its brands, improving operations and delivering long-term value for customers, employees and shareholders.

The leadership change follows a period of restructuring under Ettinger, who maintained the company’s 2026 net sales guidance at between US$12.2 billion and US$12.5 billion despite higher fuel, logistics and commodity costs.

During his tenure, Hormel Foods completed the sale of its whole bird turkey business to Life-Science Innovations, although the transaction excluded the Jennie-O brand and the broader Jennie-O portfolio of turkey products.

The company also agreed to sell its Brazilian operations, including the Ceratti brand, to local food manufacturer Zanchetta Alimentos as part of efforts to streamline its business.

Ettinger said he had worked closely with Ghingo over the past year and expressed confidence in his ability to guide Hormel Foods through its next phase of growth.

Ghingo joined Hormel Foods in 2024 to lead the company’s retail division before being promoted to president, where he assumed responsibility for retail, foodservice and international operations.

Before joining Hormel Foods, Ghingo held senior leadership positions at Mondelez International and WhiteWave Foods, which was acquired by Danone in 2016.

He also served as head of Applegate Farms, a Hormel Foods subsidiary, from 2018 to 2022 before rejoining the company in a broader executive role.

Hormel Foods chairman Bill Newlands said Ghingo has demonstrated strong leadership capabilities and has translated the company’s strategic priorities into operational execution.

Newlands added that the board believes Ghingo is well positioned to continue the company’s modernisation efforts, support sustainable growth and deliver long term value for shareholders.

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