#USA #Austin #Hormel Foods #Natosha Walsh #PJ Connor

Hormel Foods Announces Retirement of PJ Connor

Hormel Foods Corporation, a prominent global branded food company, has recently announced the impending retirement of PJ Connor, the group vice president of Retail sales, scheduled to coincide with his 30-year anniversary at the company this coming spring. This milestone marks the end of an influential career that has seen Connor play a major role in shaping the company’s direction and culture through numerous transformation initiatives.

Connor joined Hormel Foods in 1996 as a sales representative and quickly established himself as a valuable asset within the organization. Over the years, he rose through various leadership roles, including district team leader, director of the Albertsons business team, and director of customer development for the central team. His career culminated in his promotion to group vice president of Retail sales in 2022, where he continued to lead with vision and dedication. Under his leadership, Hormel Foods has seen substantial growth, and Connor’s commitment to mentoring and developing talent has left a lasting impact on the workforce.

John Ghingo, president of Hormel Foods, praised Connor’s contributions: “PJ has been a tremendous asset throughout his three-decade career. He has consistently delivered results and inspired his teams. We are grateful for his dedication and focus on supporting our retail partners, and his legacy will be felt for years to come.”

As Connor prepares for retirement, Hormel Foods has announced Natosha Walsh as his successor. Walsh, who has been with the company for 26 years, is currently the vice president of Retail sales – West. Her extensive experience spans various areas including sales, trade and category management, and supply chain operations. Natosha’s leadership abilities and customer-centric approach make her an excellent fit to step into Connor’s role, and she is expected to strengthen the company’s retail partnerships moving forward.

“Her collaborative approach and proven leadership will help us achieve new heights,” Ghingo added. “I am confident that Natosha will build upon the strong foundation established by PJ and continue to drive performance.”

Natosha Walsh's journey within the company has seen her accumulate vast experience through positions with increased responsibility. Before her current role, she held the title of vice president of marketing for Retail in Convenient Meals and Proteins and has consistently shown a commitment to growth within the organization.

In a statement regarding her new position, Walsh emphasized her excitement and readiness to lead Hormel Foods’ Retail sales team. “I look forward to working closely with our retail partners and continuing to deliver outstanding results,” she remarked.

Hormel Foods is not just a household name for its beloved brands, such as SPAM®, HORMEL® NATURAL CHOICE®, and SKIPPY®, but is also recognized for its commitment to corporate responsibility. The company, based in Austin, Minnesota, has been acknowledged for its inclusive workplace atmosphere and community service efforts, aligning with its purpose statement: “Inspired People. Inspired Food.”

With PJ Connor stepping down, the company is on track for a seamless transition as it moves towards the future guided by experienced leadership in both PJ’s legacy and Natosha’s fresh perspective. For more updates and information, visit Hormel Foods.