Hormel Foods Welcomes Donald Monk as Its Trailblazing Chief Technology Officer

Hormel Foods Appoints Donald Monk as Chief Technology Officer

Hormel Foods Corporation, a leading global branded food company, has revealed the appointment of Donald Monk as its first Chief Technology Officer (CTO). This significant move, effective March 23, signifies the company's commitment to embracing modern technology and enhancing its digital infrastructure for sustainable growth.

As the CTO, Monk will play a pivotal role in shaping the enterprise technology and data strategy, which aims to align with the long-term objectives of Hormel Foods. This newly established position reflects the company's strategy to evolve its technological landscape and enhance operational efficiencies.

John Ghingo, President of Hormel Foods, commended Monk’s extensive experience in technology leadership, stating, "Don is an exceptional technology leader with a proven track record of transforming large, global organizations and building modern digital capabilities that unlock business growth." Ghingo emphasized that Monk’s expertise would be invaluable as the organization moves towards prioritizing the modernization of its technology platforms.

Monk joins Hormel Foods armed with over 35 years of technology leadership experience. Most notably, he spent more than three decades at General Mills, where he was instrumental in driving technological advancements as the Chief Information Officer. His rich background includes leading complex enterprise transformations, developing high-performing teams, and creating modern technology ecosystems that enhance operational agility and effectiveness.

In addition to his tenure at General Mills, Monk has held significant positions at Cargill where he worked as the Senior Vice President of strategy, governance, and transformation for their digital technology and data organization. His responsibility encompassed guiding global strategies and transformation efforts within digital and data functions, further fortifying his competency in leading technological evolution.

Monk holds a Master of Science in Software Engineering from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, complemented by a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Minnesota State University, Mankato.

Hormel Foods Corporation, headquartered in Austin, Minnesota, boasts over $12 billion in annual revenue and is renowned for its diverse portfolio of brands which includes PLANTERS®, SKIPPY®, SPAM®, HORMEL® NATURAL CHOICE®, APPLEGATE®, and others. The company is recognized for its corporate responsibility initiatives and has received numerous accolades for its efforts in sustainability and community engagement.

As Hormel Foods continues to evolve, the introduction of Monk as CTO underscores its commitment to innovation. The company aims to leverage Monk’s leadership to foster a culture of digital transformation that not only enhances current operations but also lays the groundwork for future advancements. As markets continue to evolve, Hormel Foods is poised to remain a relevant and forward-thinking entity in the global food industry, dedicated to serving its customers with quality products while promoting sustainability and modern practices.