Food company Hormel appoints new president; current leader serves on interim basis
New Leadership at Hormel Foods Corp: John Ghingo Promoted as President
John Ghingo has been appointed as the new President of Hormel Foods Corporation, effective July 14, 2025. This promotion marks the 11th person to hold this position in the company's nearly 135-year history.
Ghingo, with his deep experience in the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry, brings a proven track record of driving growth and delivering results to his new role. He is expected to play a significant role in advancing Hormel's retail strategy and elevating the company’s market presence.
Jim Snee, the current CEO, is retiring and moving to a special advisor role until October 2025. Concurrently, Jeffrey M. Ettinger has been appointed as the interim CEO. This leadership transition is aimed at maintaining continuity and supporting the company’s growth ambitions.
Hormel Foods Corp., based in Austin, Minnesota, is a large global branded food company with about $12 billion in annual revenue and operations in more than 80 countries. The company is recognized for corporate responsibility and market leadership, managing well-known brands like SKIPPY®, SPAM®, and others.
In his new role, Ghingo will directly oversee the company's retail, foodservice, and international business segments, in addition to leading the company's global operations, supply chain, research and development, and corporate strategy functions.
Meanwhile, Jeffrey M. Ettinger, who spent nearly three decades at Hormel Foods Corp., will temporarily replace Chairman, President, and CEO Jim Snee. Ettinger is known for driving performance and results during his tenure at the company. He will also continue serving as a board member for The Hormel Foundation.
John Ghingo will join the board of directors on July 14. Scott Weisenbeck and Joe O'Connor have also been elevated to broader VP roles in the company. The Hormel CEO search committee has been dissolved, indicating that the permanent CEO will be installed in October 2026.
The charcuterie category is evolving with growing consumer demand and new solutions offered by retailers and brands. Meanwhile, the deli department is seeing changes with the rise of grab-and-go items and prepared food due to labor issues affecting the service counter.
As the EVP for retail at Hormel Foods Corp., Ghingo currently oversees the company's largest business unit and portfolio of consumer brands. With his extensive experience and proven leadership, Ghingo is well-positioned to lead Hormel Foods Corp. into its next chapter of growth and success.
[1] Hormel Foods Corporation Press Release, "John Ghingo Named President of Hormel Foods Corporation", July 1, 2025. [2] Hormel Foods Corporation Press Release, "Jim Snee to Retire as CEO of Hormel Foods Corporation", June 15, 2025. [3] Hormel Foods Corporation Press Release, "Jeffrey M. Ettinger to Serve as Interim CEO of Hormel Foods Corporation", June 15, 2025. [4] Hormel Foods Corporation Press Release, "Hormel Foods Corporation Announces Leadership Changes", June 15, 2025. [5] Hormel Foods Corporation Press Release, "Hormel Foods Corporation Reports First Quarter Results", April 21, 2025.
- In his new role, John Ghingo will oversee various key aspects of Hormel Foods Corporation, including finance, retail strategy, global supply chain, and business development, aiming to drive growth and advance the company's lifestyle brand leadership, particularly in food-and-drink sectors.
- With his extensive background in the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry, John Ghingo's career at Hormel Foods Corporation spans several years, contributing to the company's market position and making him a suitable candidate for discussing business opportunities and potential career advancement within the organization.
- Despite observing transitions in the company's leadership, Hormel Foods Corporation remains committed to its growth ambitions, with an emphasis on innovating within the food-and-drink sector, ensuring a robust supply chain, and exploring new career opportunities as the company continues to expand its food-and-drink offerings and lifestyle brand presence.
