SPRINGDALE, Ark., May 21, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- David L. Van Bebber has been promoted to executive vice president and general counsel of Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE:TSN), company officials announced today. Effective immediately, he will serve as Tyson's chief legal officer, overseeing all legal matters involving the company.
Van Bebber has more than 25 years of corporate legal experience with responsibilities in such areas as litigation, corporate transactions, international, environmental, management and operational matters, and employment law. He was general counsel and secretary of Lane Processing Companies of Arkansas and participated in the negotiation and sale of Lane to Tyson Foods in 1986, when he joined Tyson as a corporate counsel. He has since held various officer positions within the company, was the integration manager for Tyson's acquisition of IBP, and most recently served as deputy general counsel and senior vice president of Tyson's legal department.
"Because of his extensive background in legal matters involving the meat and poultry industry and his knowledge of our company, we believe David is well qualified for this position," said Richard L. Bond, president and CEO of Tyson Foods. "He has served our company well for many years, demonstrating an outstanding work ethic, and I look forward to his continued leadership as the head of our legal department."
Van Bebber, who is 52 years old, is a native of DeQueen, Arkansas. He holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Arkansas and a law degree from the University of Arkansas School of Law. He is a member of the Arkansas and American Bar Associations as well as the American Corporate Counsel Association, and is currently president of the board of education for the Springdale, Arkansas, school district.
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 production 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 and is the recognized market leader in the retail and foodservice markets it serves. Tyson provides products and service to customers throughout the United States and more than 80 countries. The company has approximately 104,000 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.