SALISBURY, MARYLAND — Perdue Inc. announced several changes in its senior management team, including naming Clint Rivers, former president and chief executive officer of Pilgrim’s Pride Corp., as senior vice-president of operations and supply chain management. Joining Perdue on July 7, he brings more than 28 years of food industry experience to Perdue.

"We’re pleased to have someone with Clint’s strengths and extensive knowledge in the operations arena join our company," said Mike Roberts, president of the Perdue Food Products Group. "Clint is a seasoned poultry industry professional with a proven track record of increasing bottom-line growth. I’m confident he’ll be a great asset to Perdue."

Jim Leighton was named president of the Foodservice Division of the Perdue Food Products Group, which became effective April 6. He also assumes additional responsibility for the International channel. Mr. Leighton, who brings more than 25 years of varied food industry experience to the role, joined Perdue in 2006 as senior vice-president of operations and supply chain management. Before joining Perdue, he was senior vice president of operations at ConAgra Foods, and held positions of increasing responsibility with Hain Celestial Food Group, Celestial Seasonings Inc., Nabisco and Richland Bakeries Inc.

Luis A. Luna has been named vice-president of corporate communications, which became effective Aug. 3. "Luis brings more than 30 years of experience in federal government and non-profit organizations," said Jim Perdue, chairman. "His public affairs experience will serve Perdue well as we work to effectively communicate Perdue’s leadership and address increasing stakeholder scrutiny and government oversight."

Mr. Luna will be responsible for media and community relations, internal and external communications, corporate contributions and will be the primary spokesperson for the corporation. He will also provide strategic analysis and counsel to the executive management team on a wide range of communication issues to support the business goals of the company and its subsidiaries.

Most recently, Mr. Luna was a senior advisor for the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. Befvore that, he was named by President George W. Bush and unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate as assistant administrator at the Environmental Protection Agency. He also worked as Deputy Administrator at the U.S.D.A. Rural Development’s Office of Community Development, as a Commissioner’s Assistant at the Consumer Product Safety Commission and in legislative affairs at the Justice Department.