Forty Under 40: Kristina Lambert

She started out as an intern and now she’s a VP.

In her 16 years at Tyson, Bentonville native Kristina Lambert has covered at lot of ground — marketing, chicken nuggets, value-added meals, and calling on important brands like Lawry’s, Campbell’s and Budweiser.

But it’s her latest title that contains the magic word — bacon — and it’s a word she earned. Starting in 2010, Lambert grew Wright Brand Bacon from a regional to a national brand that is now sold in all states.

Her work with Wright Brand led to where she is now — a VP who is responsible for production facilities in Texas and Nebraska, and for sales including retail, club, food service and distribution, among other channels.

She started as an intern in 1996 when she was still a business and marketing major at the University of Arkansas.

“I have fun everyday,” she said. “I’ve enjoyed what I’ve done so much, and I think that’s a part of my success.”

Married and the mother of two, Lambert enjoys the family life.

“I had hobbies before kids, but not so much anymore,” she said.

Though she’s been there for nearly half her life, Lambert says she has no plans to leave Tyson anytime soon.

“I just want to keep having an impact on the business,” she said.