September 27/Minneapolis/Press Release -- Hormel Foods Corporation announced the upcoming retirements of Richard A Bross, group vice president of Hormel Foods, president of Hormel Foods International Corporation (HFIC), and Ronald W Fielding, executive vice president of corporate strategy, planning and development.

“Thank you to Rick and Ron for their long-term careers at Hormel Foods. We greatly appreciate their leadership and wish them both the best in their retirements,” said Jeffrey M Ettinger, chairman of the board, president and chief executive officer at Hormel Foods.

The following advancements will take place as a result of the retirements:
James P Snee, vice president of Hormel Foods, senior vice president of HFIC, will replace Bross in the position of group vice president of Hormel Foods, president of HFIC, effective October 29.
Fred D Halvin, director of corporate development, will assume responsibility for corporate development in the position of vice president, corporate development, effective October 29.
“Congratulations to Jim and Fred on their advancements,” Ettinger said. “We look forward to their continued leadership.”

Hormel Foods also announced Christopher J Policinski, president and chief executive officer (CEO) at Land O’Lakes Inc., as the newest member of the Hormel Foods' board of directors, effective September 22.

“We welcome Chris to the board and look forward to his contributions to the growth and development of our employees, consistent returns to shareholders, and to the long-term success of Hormel Foods,” said Ettinger

Policinski has more than 30 years of experience in the food industry. Prior to joining Land O’Lakes, he held leadership positions with Kraft General Foods, Bristol Meyers Squibb and the Pillsbury Co. He joined Land O’Lakes in 1997 as vice president of strategy and business development. Mr Policinski later became chief operating officer of the Land O’Lakes dairy foods business unit and was appointed president and CEO in 2005.

Policinski is also a member of the board of directors of several industry associations, including the Grocery Manufacturers Association, the National Milk Producers Federation and the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, as well as the United States Global Leadership Campaign, Xcel Energy, Inc., and local community boards, including the Greater Twin Cities United Way.