BRF
The changes are meant to address challenges brought on by anticorruption probe in Brazil.
 

SÃO PAULO, Brazil – BRF SA announced changes to the company’s management team in response to current and future challenges impacting the business.

The company said two separate divisions were created to address two objectives. “The first is to strengthen national and global operations of BRF to better serve its clients and sustain growth. The second objective allows BRF to continue to provide quick and transparent answers to the challenges it has been experiencing since the Weak Flesh Investigation and the consequent impacts it has caused to the Brazilian agribusiness,” BRF said.

On March 17, the Federal Police in Brazil raided the facilities of dozens of meatpackers, including JBS SA and BRF SA, as part of a two-year criminal investigation which found at least 40 cases of federal regulators accepting bribes in exchange for loosening regulations and helping food processors put adulterated food products in the marketplace.

The Response Management division will assist the company’s Special Response Committee. Simon Cheng, BRF director, will be in charge.

Pedro Faria, global CEO, will oversee the Business Management division which will focus on the quality of the BRF operations and daily activities. “This structure is temporary, but may remain active if deemed necessary by BRF,” the company said. Separately, the Global Quality department will report directly to Faria.

Alexandre Almeida, former CEO of Brazilian dairy company Itambé, will replace Rafael Ivanisk, vice president, general manager Brazil – sales and marketing. Ivanisk made a personal decision to leave BRF, the company noted. In his new role, Almeida will lead the Brazilian market, conduct the integration process and prioritize ongoing initiatives.

Leonardo Byrro, who shared the role of general manager with Ivanisk, was named supply vice president. “This change aims to accelerate the planning process and the optimization of BRF’s value chain,” the company explained. “This new configuration will allow for an increased focus on the agroindustry management, an important competitive differentiator of BRF.”

Finally, Pedro Navio, former CEO of RedBull – Latin America, will lead global strategic marketing and innovation strategies at BRF.