SILOAM SPRINGS, ARK. – Cobb-Vantress Inc., a subsidiary of Tyson Foods Inc., specializing in poultry breeding, announced the appointment of Stan Reid to the role of interim president with the company, filling the vacancy created when Joel Sappenfield left the company recently. Reid, a poultry industry veteran with nearly 40 years of experience, has worked at Cobb for the past 20 years in multiple leadership positions, most recently as vice president of North and South America, including oversight of global marketing for Cobb. 

A leader of Tyson’s poultry business acknowledged Sappenfield’s accomplishments during his tenure as president since 2016, and expressed faith in the abilities of his interim successor.

“We’re grateful for Joel’s many contributions to the company and have great confidence in Stan’s ability to continue executing our global strategy, developed by the Cobb leadership team,” said Donnie King, president of poultry for Tyson. “Cobb is a unique and important part of the global poultry supply chain and we’re proud of the company’s critical role in helping feed people around the world.”

Reid, who worked in sales in the animal health industry and in production roles at Foster Farms, Spring Valley Farms and Gold Kist Farms prior to joining Cobb, said he looks forward to the new opportunity. 

“I am excited about the future of Cobb and continuing to move our business and iconic brand forward,” Reid said. “I am honored to have been chosen to help lead Cobb during this transition. Our team remains committed to supporting and building relationships with our customers around the world. There are some exciting things coming in the future and we are poised for growth.”