AUSTIN, MINN. — Hormel Foods Corp. announced on May 9 that it hired Coleen Batcheler as the senior vice president of external affairs and general counsel.

In the position, Batcheler will manage the organization’s global legal and external affairs functions, including corporate governance and securities, mergers and acquisitions, intellectual property, litigation, labor and employment, and legislative and regulatory affairs. She will report to Jim Snee, chairman of the board, president and chief executive officer at Hormel Foods.

“I’m thrilled to welcome Colleen to Hormel Foods as our new general counsel,” Snee said. “She has a wealth of experience both inside and outside the food space and will bring invaluable insights to our company. With her track record of success, she will play a pivotal role in driving the company forward and helping us achieve our ambitious goals.”

Before joining Hormel, Batcheler served as executive vice president, general counsel and secretary for rental car company Hertz. During that time, she worked on legal, compliance and government affairs.

Prior to working at Hertz, she worked as executive vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary at Conagra Brands Inc. She worked at the food company for 16 years, focusing on its commodity businesses. 

Batcheler earned her JD from Case Western Reserve School of Law, and a Bachelor’s degree in political science from the State University of New York College at Fredonia, New York. She also serves as an independent director of Hyster-Yale Materials Handling Inc. and serves on its Nominating & Governance Committee.