MILWAUKEE – Klement Sausage Co. announced Tom Danneker as the new president and CEO of the company. Danneker succeeds Raymond Booth, who has moved to an advisory role within the company before he officially retires in May. Danneker’s appointment became effective Jan. 1.

“I’ve been a fan of Klement’s products throughout my 25 years in the meat industry,” Danneker said in a statement. “I have deep respect for Klement’s commitment to making exceptional sausage and their strong ties with local communities throughout Wisconsin. Being a Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison graduate and a resident of Wisconsin for most of my life, I understand the passion and dedication that the Klement family and all our current and former employees have shared to make Klement’s one of the leading sausage brands in the US. I look forward to continuing to grow Klement’s strong             position in Milwaukee and Wisconsin and to sharing our love of sausage with consumers throughout the country.”

Danneker previously served in senior level and executive positions with Smithfield Foods, Vista Casings and Johnsonville Sausage.

“While planning for this leadership transition and my retirement, Klement’s has diligently sought the right CEO to lead the company through this next phase of continued growth,” Booth said in a statement. “Tom is an experienced and proven executive with a wealth of industry experience, and I know that I leave the company in good hands.”

Klement Sausage Co. was established in 1956. The company employs more than 350 workers in the company’s two Milwaukee-based plants. Klement Sausage manufactures fresh sausages, cooked and smoked sausages, summer sausages and snack sticks.