Tyson Foods names new commodity purchasing exec

Rex Holstein has been promoted to vice president, commodity purchasing at Tyson Foods. He is replacing Clark Irwin who will retire in mid-January, according to the meat giant.
 
Holstein began his career with Tyson in 1994 and has worked in a variety of roles including personnel, warehousing and accounting. In his new role Holstein will be responsible for leading the commodity purchasing team in the procurement and risk management of various inputs, including feed ingredients, energy and cooking oil.
 
“I’m pleased to make this announcement about Rex,” said Noel White, president of the poultry division for Tyson Foods. “I know he’ll do a great job guiding the team in their efforts to continuously improve our purchasing of commodities and increasing efficiencies.” 
 
Holstein is on the advisory board of the Soy & Grain Trade Summit, the advisory board of the Northwest Arkansas area chapter of Children of Arkansas Loved for a Lifetime and has served as chairman of the board for the Arkansas Industrial Traffic Association. He attended the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville where he earned a bachelor’s in finance management in 2000 and a bachelor’s in accounting in 2002. 
 
Irwin’s announcement follows more than 36 years of service with Tyson Foods. He began his career with the company in 1978 and has served in various executive capacities in sales, operations, warehousing, distribution and commodity purchasing. He also managed the company’s Mexican Original business  for several years. 
 
“Clark’s leadership has been key to the growth and success of the Mexican Original business,” White said. “We’re extremely grateful for his commitment and invaluable contributions to our company. We wish him all the best.”