Former Tyson Foods exec named new CEO at Ocean Spray
by July 22, 2020 10:33 am 1,075 views
Massachusetts-based Ocean Spray Cranberries Inc. on Monday (July 20) named Tom Hayes its new president and CEO. The company’s board of directors unanimously elected Hayes to the position, according to a news release.
Hayes was president and CEO of Tyson Foods, starting in 2016. He resigned in September 2018, citing personal reasons.
“For everyone who grew up in New England, the Ocean Spray name is not just a global brand – it’s part of our culture,” Hayes said in a statement. “The heritage of the company and its 700 farmer-owners is one to be celebrated and shared across the world, and I want to ensure it is protected and positioned to grow for a long time to come.
“Joining Ocean Spray at such a pivotal moment, as it approaches its centennial, presents an extraordinary opportunity to look toward the future, tackle new challenges, and ensure that this cooperative will succeed for another hundred years.”
Hayes joined Tyson Foods with the Hillshire Brands acquisition in August 2014. He was the chief supply chain officer at Hillshire Brands and Sara Lee. Hayes has also held significant leadership roles at US Foods, ConAgra and Kraft.
Most recently, Hayes served as a partner at Entrepreneurial Equity Partners (e2p), a private equity firm that invests in middle market companies in the food industry.