Hormel Foods Corp., based in Austin, Minnesota, is experiencing a significant leadership transition within its retail division. Deanna Brady, the Executive Vice President of Retail, will officially retire at the end of the company’s fiscal year in late October, marking her departure after nearly thirty years with the company. In her tenure, Brady has held various key positions, including group VP of foodservice and EVP of refrigerated foods, where she showcased her ability to drive substantial growth and manage multi-billion-dollar divisions.

John Ghingo is set to take over as the new leader of Hormel’s retail segment. He previously served as president of Applegate Farms LLC and more recently was CEO of Whisps, a healthier snacking company backed by private equity. Ghingo’s extensive background in the consumer packaged goods sector, combined with an MBA from New York University, positions him as an ideal fit to lead Hormel’s strategic initiatives in retail.

Jim Snee, Hormel’s chairman and CEO, praised Brady’s unwavering commitment to the company and community, citing her lasting impact on Hormel’s culture. As Ghingo steps into his role, he will be tasked with maintaining innovative growth strategies that align with Hormel’s priorities while building on the strong foundation established by Brady. This leadership change is pivotal as Hormel aims to navigate the evolving grocery landscape through strategic innovation and market adaptability. The full transition signifies a new chapter for Hormel Foods as they prepare for future challenges in the retail food industry.