MISSISSAUGA, ONTARIO – Maple Leaf Foods announced that Tom Hayes, current president and chief executive officer of Ocean Spray Cranberries Inc., and former CEO of Tyson Foods Inc., was appointed to its board of directors.

“As Maple Leaf Foods continues its journey to becoming the most sustainable protein company on earth, we are extremely proud to have Tom join us as our newest Director,” said Michael McCain, president and CEO of Maple Leaf Foods.  “Tom’s vision and passion for sustainability, together with his exemplary track record of leadership and building value, make him a perfect fit for our Board.”

Hayes stepped down from his role with Tyson in September 2018, for personal reasons. Hayes began working with Ocean Spray in July 2020. 

He also served as chief supply chain officer at Hillshire Brands Co. and Sara Lee Foodservice, Tyson Foods subsidiaries, and was zone president at US Foods and vice president of sales and marketing for Conagra Brands’ foodservice segment.

In 2019, Hayes worked as a partner at Entrepreneurial Equity Partners (e2p), a private equity firm that invests in middle market companies in the food industry.