SPRINGDALE, Ark. – Tyson Foods Inc. recently appointed Les R. Baledge to the board of the directors for the company.

Baledge served as executive vice president and general counsel for Tyson from 1999 to 2004.

The appointment of Baledge increases the number of directors on the Tyson Foods board to 13. He will serve on the Governance and Nominating Committee.

“The extensive knowledge that Les has about our company combined with his valuable background in law, business and strategy, will benefit our continued growth efforts,” said John Tyson, chairman of the board. “We’re excited to have his experience and perspective on the board.”

Baledge has worked in corporate and finance law with Kutak Rock and The Rose Firm in Little Rock, Arkansas. He also was on the boards of BMP Sunstone Corp. and Fairfield Communities Inc.

Baledge holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Westminster College and a law degree from the Univ. of Arkansas.