Tyson Foods makes another leadership change

David Bray, who has managed Tyson Foods’ poultry business since July 2021, is being replaced by Wes Morris. Bray spent 14 years at Tyson Foods, most of them working in the company’s retail business in sales roles.

Tyson said Morris assumed the role of president for the chicken business effective Jan. 27. He has more than 35 years of experience working in poultry and consumer sales. Morris first joined Tyson Foods in 1999 and held several leadership positions, including group vice president of consumer products, and last working as the president of prepared foods operations for four years before retiring in 2017.

“Wes is a recognized leader who will help position us for continued success and the future growth of our chicken segment,” said Tyson Foods CEO Donnie King. “We’re confident his experience will help us continue to strengthen our chicken operations and meet growing consumer demand for Tyson® brand products.”

Morris spent 16 years at Tyson Foods before exiting the company in 2017. He worked as the chief financial officer for Simmons Foods from 2018 through 2019 and has most recently worked as a consultant to Tyson Foods for the poultry business. Morris said he will focus on executing the strategy Tyson laid out in 2021 for a three-year turnaround plan for the chicken segment.

“Our team has a passion for feeding the world and we have the right ingredients to successfully execute for our customers and consumers,” said Morris.

In recent weeks, Scott Spradley, chief technology officer, has left Tyson Foods and was not replaced. Brady Stewart was named president of the company’s beef and pork business known as Tyson Fresh meats. Stewart replaced Shane Miller, who spent more than 30 years at Tyson Foods and opted to retire rather than relocate to Northwest Arkansas as the meat giant consolidates its corporate offices later this year.