GARNER, NC – Keith Shoemaker resigned as president and CEO of Butterball LLC, effective April 25. Until a permanent successor is named, current members of the Butterball LLC board will assume CEO responsibilities. No reason was provided by the company for his abrupt departure.

“Butterball thanks Mr. Shoemaker for his valuable service and for successfully guiding the company through last year’s change in ownership as well as his role in making the company what it is today,” said Walter Pelletier, president of Maxwell Farms LLC and board member of Butterball. This past December, Maxwell Farms and Seaboard Corporation each assumed 50% ownership of Butterball.

“Butterball is a strong growing company with a bright future,” said Steven Bresky, president and CEO of Seaboard Corporation. “During this transition, we do not anticipate major changes in any areas of production or employment. It is business as usual.”

Garner, NC-based Butterball LLC is the largest producer of turkey products in the US. It produces 1 billion lbs. of turkey annually, supplies products to more than 30 countries and operates seven plants throughout the US.