Hormel Foods Corporation Announces New Leadership and Business Updates
Hormel Foods Corporation has recently made significant leadership changes as part of its ongoing business evolution. Effective October 27, 2025, Paul Kuehneman has been appointed as the interim chief financial officer and controller of the company. This announcement was made by the current interim CEO, Jeff Ettinger, as he highlighted Kuehneman’s vast experience in the industry and his long tenure with Hormel. Kuehneman, who has dedicated over 30 years to various roles within the company, is now tasked with overseeing the company’s accounting, finance, treasury, and internal controls functions. His previous positions include director of internal audit and vice president and CFO for the Jennie-O Turkey Store, ensuring he brings a comprehensive perspective to his new role.
"Paul is a respected leader with deep knowledge of our business and a proven track record of results," stated Ettinger. With Kuehneman’s extensive background, Ettinger is optimistic that he will effectively support the company’s strategy, uphold financial discipline, and enhance long-term shareholder value. His appointment comes as the company prepares for a formal search process to find a permanent CFO, which will include both internal and external candidates.
The company also announced other significant matters regarding its fiscal fourth quarter for 2025. Hormel Foods reports a continuous strong performance driven by ongoing demand across its retail, foodservice, and international divisions. Particularly, the company's turkey offerings, the PLANTERS® brand, and its robust market share have played crucial roles in maintaining growth. However, Hormel continues to face challenges, particularly with rising inflation costs in key commodity inputs and impacts from highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) affecting the poultry industry. In response, the company is concentrating on productivity enhancements and strategic pricing adjustments to mitigate the effects of inflation.
Additionally, Hormel Foods encountered a fire incident at its peanut butter production facility located in Little Rock, Arkansas. Fortunately, there were no injuries, and repairs are currently underway; the company expects complete production to resume by early 2026. In another recent development, on October 25, Hormel issued a voluntary class 1 recall for certain chicken products distributed through foodservice channels, reaffirming its commitment to maintaining operational integrity and product safety.
Despite the aforementioned challenges, Hormel Foods remains optimistic regarding its performance. The company aims to achieve net sales growth at the upper end of its previous guidance range but anticipates adjusted earnings per share could fall approximately $0.08 to $0.09 below earlier expectations. Hormel has not yet confirmed its GAAP earnings per share guidance as it concludes year-end financial procedures, which may include non-cash impairment charges partially affecting its international segment and snack nuts business.
In a statement reflecting the overall sentiment of leadership, Ettinger remarked, "We remain confident in the relevance of our portfolio and our brands and are encouraged by the continued top-line momentum of our business." As Hormel navigates through these inflationary pressures and operational challenges, the company is committed to delivering sustainable growth and value for its shareholders.
A detailed review of the company’s fourth quarter and full-year results, alongside projections for fiscal 2026, will be presented in its upcoming earnings conference scheduled for early December. Hormel Foods stands as a pillar in the food industry, driven by its mission — Inspired People. Inspired Food.™ With a strong focus on corporate responsibility, Hormel Foods has earned accolades and recognition in various domains, reinforcing its role as a trusted global food provider. As the company embarks on its next phase, it is poised to adapt to emerging market conditions while upholding the quality and safety synonymous with its beloved brands.
"Paul is a respected leader with deep knowledge of our business and a proven track record of results," stated Ettinger. With Kuehneman’s extensive background, Ettinger is optimistic that he will effectively support the company’s strategy, uphold financial discipline, and enhance long-term shareholder value. His appointment comes as the company prepares for a formal search process to find a permanent CFO, which will include both internal and external candidates.
The company also announced other significant matters regarding its fiscal fourth quarter for 2025. Hormel Foods reports a continuous strong performance driven by ongoing demand across its retail, foodservice, and international divisions. Particularly, the company's turkey offerings, the PLANTERS® brand, and its robust market share have played crucial roles in maintaining growth. However, Hormel continues to face challenges, particularly with rising inflation costs in key commodity inputs and impacts from highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) affecting the poultry industry. In response, the company is concentrating on productivity enhancements and strategic pricing adjustments to mitigate the effects of inflation.
Additionally, Hormel Foods encountered a fire incident at its peanut butter production facility located in Little Rock, Arkansas. Fortunately, there were no injuries, and repairs are currently underway; the company expects complete production to resume by early 2026. In another recent development, on October 25, Hormel issued a voluntary class 1 recall for certain chicken products distributed through foodservice channels, reaffirming its commitment to maintaining operational integrity and product safety.
Despite the aforementioned challenges, Hormel Foods remains optimistic regarding its performance. The company aims to achieve net sales growth at the upper end of its previous guidance range but anticipates adjusted earnings per share could fall approximately $0.08 to $0.09 below earlier expectations. Hormel has not yet confirmed its GAAP earnings per share guidance as it concludes year-end financial procedures, which may include non-cash impairment charges partially affecting its international segment and snack nuts business.
In a statement reflecting the overall sentiment of leadership, Ettinger remarked, "We remain confident in the relevance of our portfolio and our brands and are encouraged by the continued top-line momentum of our business." As Hormel navigates through these inflationary pressures and operational challenges, the company is committed to delivering sustainable growth and value for its shareholders.
A detailed review of the company’s fourth quarter and full-year results, alongside projections for fiscal 2026, will be presented in its upcoming earnings conference scheduled for early December. Hormel Foods stands as a pillar in the food industry, driven by its mission — Inspired People. Inspired Food.™ With a strong focus on corporate responsibility, Hormel Foods has earned accolades and recognition in various domains, reinforcing its role as a trusted global food provider. As the company embarks on its next phase, it is poised to adapt to emerging market conditions while upholding the quality and safety synonymous with its beloved brands.
Topics Business Technology）
【About Using Articles】
You can freely use the title and article content by linking to the page where the article is posted.
※ Images cannot be used.
【About Links】
Links are free to use.