SPRINGDALE, Ark., Aug. 21, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE:TSN) today announced the appointment of Robert T. DeMartini as Group Vice President, Consumer Products.
DeMartini will join Tyson in September 2006, filling a position that has been open since last fall. He will report to Bill Lovette, Senior Group Vice President, Poultry and Prepared Foods, and will oversee operations, marketing and sales for all divisions within Tyson's Consumer Products business, including Deli, Processed Meats, Wholesale Clubs and Retail.
DeMartini has more than 20 years of sales and marketing experience. He comes to Tyson Foods from The Gillette Company, where he most recently served as Senior Vice President and General Manager of the company's $2.2 billion Grooming Division. He has also previously held various management positions with Procter and Gamble, including General Manager of the company's North American snack business and Director of Sales of the global snack business.
"We believe Rob's extensive experience with building brands and marketing packaged goods will be of great value to our company," said Lovette. "His position is especially important to the execution of our business strategy, which includes successfully creating more value-added products."
DeMartini, 45, was born and raised in California and holds a bachelor's degree in finance from San Diego State University.
Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE:TSN), founded in 1935 with headquarters in Springdale, Arkansas, is the world's largest processor and marketer of chicken, beef, and pork, the second-largest food company in the Fortune 500 and a member of the S&P 500. The company produces a wide variety of protein-based and prepared food products, which are marketed under the "Powered by Tyson(tm)" strategy. Tyson is the recognized market leader in the retail and foodservice markets it serves, providing products and service to customers throughout the United States and more than 80 countries. The company has approximately 110,000 Team Members employed at more than 300 facilities and offices in the United States and around the world. Through its Core Values, Code of Conduct and Team Member Bill of Rights, Tyson strives to operate with integrity and trust and is committed to creating value for its shareholders, customers and Team Members. The company also strives to be faith-friendly, provide a safe work environment and serve as stewards of the animals, land and environment entrusted to it.