FORT WORTH, TEXAS — Meat processor Standard Meat Co. (SMC) announced the appointment of Bill Chandler to the newly created role of director of supply chain.

The new position at SMC consolidates previously separate responsibilities in procurement, transportation, warehousing and third-party storage into one unified leadership position.

Chandler will also play a role in customer conversations, helping explain raw material trends and working closely with teams on both production and demand planning.

“Bill brings the right mix of experience, love of the industry and respect for the people,” said Ben Rosenthal, co-president and chief executive officer of SMC. “His first move hasn’t been to overhaul — but to listen. He knows real strategy starts with relationships, and he’s already thinking about ways to help our teams do what they do best, more efficiently and at greater scale, well into the future.”

With 30 years of experience, Chandler joins SMC most recently from Cargill, where he served as vice president of protein trade sales. In this capacity, Chandler led a team of more than 300 people across 12 locations in the United States and Canada.

“I’ve spent most of my career in supply-driven systems — this is different,” Chandler said. “Standard Meat is demand driven. It’s about service, specialty products and real relationships. That means it’s more intricate, more collaborative and, frankly, more exciting. I get to learn new things and help an incredible team continue to grow in the right way.”

Chandler has served on several nonprofit and advisory boards, including the Kansas Hispanic Education and Development Foundation, which provides scholarships to high-potential students.

He earned a Master of Science and Bachelor of Science in agricultural economics from Oklahoma State University.

"The primary reason I took this role is because I feel an obligation to give back to the people who have done so much for me in this industry,” Chandler said. “I'll always get excited about the future of beef and protein — and young talent is that future. We've got great young talent here at SMC, and I’m looking forward to helping them grow.”

SMC Co-President Ashli Rosenthal Blumenfeld hailed Chandler’s arrival as a powerful boost to the company’s commitment to mentoring rising talent and preserving hard-earned industry knowledge.

“Bill understands the knowledge gap we’re facing in this industry — as much as 20 years between the generation retiring and the one coming up,” Blumenfeld said. “He’s lived every side of the business, from working cattle on horseback to managing complex distribution teams. And he’s passionate about passing that knowledge on through direct mentorship, leadership development and hands-on guidance.”