Tyson Foods names new head of prepared foods

Tyson Foods has named Noelle O’Mara as president of its growing prepared foods segment. O’Mara replaces Sally Grimes, who is leaving the company.

O’Mara joined Tyson Foods in April 2016 as vice president of new business models. She was promoted to chief marketing officer earlier this year. O’Mara is based in the company’s Chicago office.

Her new role involves managing all aspects of Tyson Foods’ $9 billion prepared foods business, which includes billion-dollar brands Tyson, Jimmy Dean and Hillshire Farm.

O’Mara will also have oversight of one-third of Tyson Foods’ manufacturing facilities and more than 25,000 team members.

Tyson Foods said O’Mara has more than 17 years of general management experience that includes profit and loss responsibility, food marketing and innovation.

Before joining Tyson Foods, O’Mara held senior-level general manager positions with Kraft Heinz, where she led marketing and innovation for some of America’s most iconic brands. She is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Business.

O’Mara will continue to report to Noel White and remain on the enterprise leadership team. While the new role takes effect immediately, Tyson Foods said Grimes will assist with the transition.

O’Mara will also continue the duties of chief marketing officer on an interim basis as the company looks for a replacement.