SPRINGDALE, ARK. — Tyson Foods Inc. announced on Dec. 20 that Brady Stewart will become group president of Tyson Fresh Meats.

Stewart, who most recently worked with Smithfield Foods Inc. as its chief operating officer, will assume his new role with Tyson at the start of 2023, succeeding Shane Miller, who will step down after working at Tyson for 30 years. The company said Miller will work with Stewart for the remainder of 2022, to ensure a smooth transition as the corporate offices for Tyson’s beef and pork business move from Dakota Dunes, SD to its headquarters as part of the OneTyson strategy.    

Stewart will report to Donnie King, president and chief executive officer. His responsibilities will include growing the company’s red meat business using technology, data and analytics to optimize processes and its processes.

“Brady is a well-respected, proven industry leader who will help position us for continued success,” said King. “His background in building business strategies that drive outcomes and identify efficiencies across complex supply chains is critical for this role.”

Stewart worked as COO of Kansas City Sausage Co. since 2009 and joined Smithfield when it acquired the company in 2017. He went on to work in roles that included executive vice president, chief manufacturing officer and, since August 2021, COO. In that role he oversaw more than 500 company-owned hog farms and 46 production facilities in the United States. He was also responsible for operations in the company’s vertically integrated domestic supply chain, including sourcing and procurement, transportation, warehousing and logistics.

“The reputation of Tyson Foods and its products are world renowned, and I am delighted to be joining the team to help drive growth and deliver for its customers and consumers,” Stewart said. “I look forward to helping strengthen the company’s competitiveness as OneTyson by accelerating innovation and streamlining operations.”

Smithfield Foods released a statement following the news that Stewart would move on.

“We have a talented management team and regret the loss of a valued leader like Brady,” said Shane Smith, president and chief executive officer of Smithfield Foods. “Fortunately, we have a deep bench of senior executives with extensive experience at our company. We thank Brady for his many contributions to Smithfield over the last six years and wish him well.”

Smithfield added that operations team members would report to Smith as the company evaluated longer-term organizational changes.