Tyson Foods adds Les Baledge to its board of directors

Les Baledge, 62, has been appointed to the board of directors of Tyson Foods, according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission late Friday.

Baledge was executive vice president and general counsel of Tyson Foods from 1994 to 2004. He also practiced corporate and finance law with Kutak Rock and the Rose Law Firm in Little Rock as well.

The appointment of Baledge increases the number of directors on the Tyson Foods board to 13. He will serve on the governance and nominating committee, the release said.

“The extensive knowledge that Les has about our company combined with his valuable background in law, business and strategy, will benefit our continued growth efforts,” said chairman John Tyson. “We’re excited to have his experience and perspective on the board.”

Baledge has a bachelor’s degree from Westminster College and a law degree from the University of Arkansas. He previously served on the boards of BMP Sunstone Corp and Fairfield Communities.

In addition to Baledge and Chairman John Tyson, other members of the Tyson Foods board of directors are Gaurdie Banister Jr., Tyson Foods President Dean Banks, Mike Beebe, Mikel Durham, Jonathan Mariner, Kevin McNamara, Cheryl Miller, Jeffrey Schomburger, Robert Thurber, Barbara Tyson and Tyson Foods CEO Noel White.