Source: Rita Jane Gabbett, MEATINGPLACE, 11/16/15


Smithfield Foods announced this morning that C. Larry Pope, chief executive officer, will retire from the company, effective Dec. 31, 2015, following a 35-year career.

Kenneth M. Sullivan, Smithfield's president and chief operating officer, will succeed Mr. Pope as chief executive officer upon his retirement.

"It has been an honor and a privilege to lead Smithfield over the past nine years," said Mr. Pope. "This planned leadership transition comes at a time of strength and growth for Smithfield. 2014 and 2015 have been the two best years in Smithfield's history for financial performance and I believe the company is primed for ongoing success,” said Pope in a statement. “I am extremely pleased with what we have achieved during my tenure as CEO and think the future is even brighter with the management team that we have put in place over the past two years. As such, I believe now is the right time for me to retire and allow this team to bring new excitement, energy, ideas and perspectives to the company."

Sullivan was named president and chief operating officer earlier this year.

He has held a number of positions within the organization including serving as chief financial officer from 2013 to 2015, vice president of finance from 2010 to 2013 and chief accounting officer from 2007 to 2013. Prior to joining Smithfield in 2003, Sullivan spent twelve years at large public accounting and consulting firms serving a variety of clients in the manufacturing, technology and government contracting sectors.

“Ken is intimately familiar with the company's operations and has worked closely with me in developing and executing our strategy and 'One Smithfield' initiative,” said Pope. “I have the utmost confidence that Smithfield will continue to grow and thrive under Ken's leadership."

"Larry has made significant contributions to Smithfield's development," said Wan Long, chairman of the board. "Smithfield has achieved good results under Larry's leadership. I sincerely appreciate what he has done for the company, and wish him all the best in his retirement."

In May 2013, what is now WH Group, a group of international investors that also owns Chinese pork giant Shuanghui Group, bought Smithfield Foods, the world's largest pork processor and hog producer.

Smithfield brands in the United States include: Smithfield, Eckrich, Farmland, Armour, Cook's, John Morrell, Gwaltney, Nathan's Famous, Kretschmar, Margherita, Curly's, Carando and Healthy Ones. 

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