SPRINGDALE, Ark. – After Tyson Foods Inc.’s acquisition of Keystone Foods from Marfrig Global was finalized on Nov. 30, 2018, officials from both companies formed an integration management group to lead the transition, which includes several leadership changes that were announced Jan. 14, 2019. The changes are effective Jan. 28, 2019.

As part of the new leadership plan, Doug Ramsey, who was serving as group president of Tyson’s poultry business has been appointed to president of the company’s global McDonald’s business. Replacing Ramsey is Chad Martin, who was working as senior vice president and general manager of Beef Enterprise for Tyson Fresh Meats, before being promoted to fill Ramsey’s role as president of poultry business.

Ramsey had worked in that position since 2017 and previously was president of poultry operations and served as senior vice president of value-added big bird and fowl since being hired in 1992. Martin previously worked as vice president of strategy and margin enhancement for Tyson’s beef business, Tyson Fresh Meats, which was formerly IBP, Inc. prior to it being acquired by Tyson in 2001.

“This refinement of our team will help us to take advantage of our biggest growth opportunities, which are value-added foods and international markets,” said Noel White, Tyson’s president and CEO. “I look forward to working with this team to deliver results for our customers, consumers, investors and team members.”

Donnie King, who departed the company about two years ago, is returning to Tyson to lead its international business as its international group president. King was working as president of North American operations at the time of his announced departure, about one year after Tom Hayes took over as the company’s president and CEO. Hayes stepped down for undisclosed reasons in September 2018. King joined Tyson in 1982 and held many roles, including president of the Prepared Foods business segment and senior group vice president of its Poultry and Prepared Foods business.

“We’re very optimistic about the opportunities in the global market,” White said. “It’s estimated 90 percent of the global growth in protein demand will be outside of the US and 60 percent of the total demand will be in Asia. Donnie’s previous experience growing both our domestic and international businesses position him to lead all aspects of our international efforts and deliver continuous top and bottom line growth.”

Tyson also announced that as part of the acquisition, Frank Ravndal, former president and CEO of Keystone Foods, will be leaving to pursue other opportunities. Ravndal will continue working with the company through March 2019, as it integrates the two companies.