Smithfield also announced the creation of two new senior leadership roles designed to enhance the company's commitment to industry innovation. William Brunt was named senior vice president and chief innovation officer, effective Aug. 31. Additionally, Jeff Warner was hired as vice president of innovation for the packaged meats division, effective Aug. 24.
In his new role as president and chief operating officer, Sullivan will assume the day-to-day operating responsibility for the company's fresh pork, packaged meats and hog production divisions located in the US, as well as international sales/exports, among other responsibilities. Sullivan was named executive vice president earlier this year in addition to his role as chief financial officer. He has held a number of positions within the finance organization, including serving as vice president of finance from 2010 to 2013 and chief accounting officer from 2007 to 2013.
"At the start of this year, we launched a new organizational structure to support Smithfield's market position as a global leader in branded packaged meats and position the company to take advantage of additional opportunities for growth," said C. Larry Pope, president and CEO. "With our new structure in place, we have already been able to better utilize management talent across the Company as planned and today’s senior leadership appointments make our team even stronger."
As chief financial officer, Nunziata will assume leadership of Smithfield's finance, treasury, risk management, accounting and IT functions. Nunziata most recently served as a partner in assurance services at Ernst & Young, having been with Ernst & Young for 19 years.
“Glenn's strong experience in accounting, finance, M&A and management make him an ideal candidate for the role of chief financial officer. I am thrilled to welcome him to the Smithfield family,” Pope said.
In his new role, Brunt will oversee Smithfield's Innovation Center and have responsibility for new product development within existing categories and new categories as the company focuses on being a global leader in branded packaged meats. Brunt will also continue as senior vice president of marketing for several of the company's core brands, including Smithfield.
As vice president of innovation for the packaged meats division, Warner will report directly to Brunt and will oversee the innovation center team. Warner brings more than 20 years of experience to this new role, including 18 years with Heinz North America in roles of increasing responsibility spanning innovation, research & development, marketing and engineering.
“Establishing these new senior leadership positions demonstrates Smithfield's further commitment to building a company-wide culture of innovation, while remaining true to our core motto of providing customers with 'Good food. responsibly.' We believe that innovation and thought leadership will ignite future growth in our packaged meats division and for the company overall,” Pope said.
