### Hormel Foods Undergoes Major Leadership Transition with New President and Interim CEO Hormel Foods Corp. has announced significant leadership changes, appointing John Ghingo as the new president and bringing back former CEO Jeffrey M. Ettinger as interim CEO. This transition comes as the company prepares for a strategic shift, with Ettinger set to lead for a 15-month period starting July 14, 2025, while a permanent CEO is expected to be appointed in the fall of 2026. Ghingo's promotion marks a pivotal moment in Hormel's nearly 135-year history, as he becomes the 11th president of the company, which is known for its diverse food products, including Skippy peanut butter and Spam. This leadership shake-up aims to navigate ongoing supply chain challenges and ensure the company's strategic growth moving forward [https://www.vendingmarketwatch.com/management/news/55299789/hormel-foods-corp-hormel-foods-names-new-president-and-interim-ceo][https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/06/25/business/foreign-business/hormel-is-bringing-back-former-ceo/2138363]. ### Structure of the Leadership Changes at Hormel Foods 1. **Appointment of John Ghingo as President** - Ghingo, previously the retail chief, has been elevated to the role of president, marking a significant leadership change within the company [https://www.foodmanufacturing.com/consumer-trends/news/22944281/hormel-names-former-ceo-as-interim-chief-executive]. 2. **Return of Jeffrey M. Ettinger as Interim CEO** - Ettinger, who previously served as CEO from 2005 to 2016, will return to lead Hormel Foods on an interim basis for 15 months, starting July 14, 2025 [https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/boards-policy-regulation/hormel-foods-former-ceo-jeffrey-ettinger-return-interim-basis-2025-06-23]. 3. **Strategic Goals and Future Plans** - The company aims to address supply chain challenges and ensure strategic growth during Ettinger's interim leadership, with plans to appoint a permanent CEO by fall 2026 [https://www.hormelfoods.com/newsroom/press-releases/hormel-foods-announces-elevation-of-john-ghingo-to-president-jeffrey-m-ettinger-to-serve-as-interim-chief-executive-officer]. ### Supporting Evidence of Leadership Changes - **John Ghingo's Promotion**: Ghingo's elevation to president is a notable milestone, as he becomes the 11th individual to hold this position in Hormel's history [https://www.rttnews.com/3548045/hormel-foods-promotes-john-ghingo-to-president-jeffrey-ettinger-named-interim-ceo.aspx]. - **Jeffrey Ettinger's Experience**: Ettinger's extensive experience with Hormel Foods, including nearly three decades with the company, positions him well to lead during this transitional phase [https://www.wsj.com/business/ettinger-returns-to-hormel-foods-as-interim-ceo-5ecc655d?gaa_at=eafs&gaa_n=ASWzDAhqJJQ8t0XeTxmL1a-m5DAMnTLBe3IWbsSqHrHBzsNYvWFeoUdMULL0&gaa_sig=qJfYHtW4n2cJeAVPnlsOU0w6FSIizd_Bqwb4wx_ixm7cqoEqdLx29G0EIuCKaKGBOAivg79WlnBMwAHqXd4TfQ%3D%3D&gaa_ts=6859deab]. - **Market Reaction**: Following the announcement of these leadership changes, Hormel Foods' stock experienced a notable increase, reflecting investor confidence in the new leadership structure [https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/hormel-foods-stock-hrl-jumps-on-leadership-changes-1034843224]. ### Conclusion: Hormel Foods' Leadership Transition In summary, Hormel Foods is undergoing a significant leadership transition with the appointment of John Ghingo as president and the return of Jeffrey M. Ettinger as interim CEO. This strategic move is designed to address current challenges and set the stage for future growth. The company is poised to navigate supply chain issues effectively while preparing for a permanent CEO appointment in the coming year. 1. **Leadership Changes**: John Ghingo is now president; Jeffrey Ettinger returns as interim CEO. 2. **Strategic Focus**: Ettinger's leadership will focus on overcoming supply chain challenges and ensuring growth. 3. **Future Outlook**: A permanent CEO is expected to be appointed by fall 2026, indicating a forward-looking strategy for Hormel Foods [https://www.indexbox.io/blog/jeffrey-ettinger-returns-as-interim-ceo-of-hormel-foods][https://www.fooddive.com/news/hormel-foods-brings-back-former-ceo-to-serve-on-an-interim-basis/751283].