Hormel Foods Corporation has announced the upcoming retirement of Chairman, President, and CEO James Snee, effective at the close of fiscal 2025. The Austin, Minn.-based protein powerhouse revealed the news in a press release on January 14.
Snee’s retirement in October will conclude a remarkable 36-year career with Hormel, including eight years at the helm as CEO. Under his leadership, Hormel has seen significant transformation, innovation, and growth. To ensure a smooth transition, Snee will remain as a strategic advisor through October and for 18 months thereafter, while the Hormel board conducts its search for a successor.
Reflecting on his tenure, Snee stated:
“As CEO of Hormel Foods for the last eight years, I have been blessed to work alongside the most talented and committed team in the industry. I am proud of the impactful, innovative, and transformational work we have accomplished during my tenure, which has been a period of rapid and significant change. My heartfelt gratitude goes to the leaders who came before me and to all the dedicated colleagues I’ve worked with during my 36-year career. As we begin this transition, I’m confident in the bright future that lies ahead for Hormel Foods.”
A Legacy of Growth and Innovation
During his leadership, Snee played a pivotal role in shaping Hormel’s protein-centric brand portfolio. Notable achievements include strategic acquisitions like the Fontanini brand, known for its Italian meats and sausages, and a complete restructuring of Hormel’s operating model to sharpen its focus on consumer and customer needs.
Snee also upheld Hormel’s long-standing tradition of dividend growth, with the company announcing its 59th consecutive year of annual dividend increases in November 2024.
Snee’s contributions extended beyond operational success, leaving a lasting mark on Hormel’s culture and vision for the future.
Future Plans
Snee remains a candidate for re-election to Hormel’s board at the company’s 2025 annual shareholders meeting on January 28. If re-elected, he will continue to serve as a director until his successor assumes the executive roles.
As the transition unfolds, the industry will be closely watching Hormel’s next steps under new leadership, building on Snee’s transformative legacy.
