Ghingo, who has served as President and a member of the Hormel Foods Board of Directors since July 2025, will succeed interim CEO Jeff Ettinger
Hormel Foods Corporation has said that its board of directors has appointed John Ghingo as the President and Chief Executive Officer, effective 26 October 2026. Ghingo, who has served as President and a member of the Hormel Foods Board of Directors since July 2025, will succeed interim CEO Jeff Ettinger and will continue serving on the board.
As president, Ghingo has advanced the company’s strategic priorities and helped position Hormel Foods for its next phase of growth and modernisation, the company said. He brings more than 25 years of leadership across the consumer packaged goods industry, with a track record of driving growth, strengthening operations and delivering disciplined results.
Since rejoining Hormel Foods in 2024 to lead its retail business, the company’s largest segment by net sales, he has assumed increasingly broad leadership responsibilities across the enterprise. As president, he directly oversees the company’s retail, foodservice and international business segments and its global operations, supply chain, research and development, information technology and corporate strategy functions.
“The board and I are confident John Ghingo is the right leader to guide Hormel Foods into its next chapter. John has quickly demonstrated his ability to lead at enterprise scale, setting clear strategic direction and translating strategy into disciplined execution. Throughout his career he has built strong teams, strengthened iconic brands, championed innovation and delivered results,” said Bill Newlands, Chairman, Board Of Directors, Hormel Foods.
Ettinger will remain with the company as interim chief executive officer through 25 October 2026, to support a smooth transition. Afterwards, he will continue serving on the Hormel Foods Board of Directors. Ettinger first joined Hormel Foods in 1989 and previously served as Chairman of the board, President and CEO, helping expand the company’s portfolio and strengthen its position as a leading global branded food company until his retirement in 2016.
“Over the past year, John and I have worked closely together, and I have seen firsthand his commitment to Hormel Foods’ culture, people and portfolio and his clear focus on the opportunities ahead. I have great confidence in John’s ability to lead the company into its next chapter,” stated Ettinger.
