SPRINGDALE, Ark., June 9, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Dennis Leatherby has been promoted to executive vice president and chief financial officer (CFO) of Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE:TSN), company officials announced today.
In his new position, Leatherby will report directly to Tyson President and CEO Richard L. Bond, and will oversee the company's worldwide finance and accounting functions. This includes representing Tyson on financial matters involving investors, auditors and financial regulatory entities.
Leatherby, who is 48 years old, brings more than 25 years of finance experience to the job, including more than 18 years with Tyson. After working in the banking industry for just over seven years, he joined Tyson Foods in 1990 as assistant treasurer. He has since held several other finance-related management positions in the company, most recently serving as Tyson's senior vice president of finance and treasurer. He has played an active role in Tyson acquisitions, has been a lead contact with ratings agencies and banks and has also previously served as Tyson's interim chief financial officer.
"Dennis has clearly demonstrated he has the skills and leadership abilities to handle this important position in the company," Bond said. "We look forward to his involvement and input in a wide range of areas, from strategic planning and acquisitions to our relationship with banks and investors."
A native of Overland Park, Kansas, Leatherby has a degree in finance and accounting from Kansas State University. He has served on the local Salvation Army Advisory Board and currently holds several leadership positions at his church.
Leatherby replaces Wade Miquelon, who has accepted the position of chief financial officer for Walgreens.
Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE:TSN), founded in 1935 with headquarters in Springdale, Arkansas, is the world's largest processor and marketer of chicken, beef, and pork, the second-largest food production company in the Fortune 500 and a member of the S&P 500. The company produces a wide variety of protein-based and prepared food products and is the recognized market leader in the retail and foodservice markets it serves. Tyson provides products and service to customers throughout the United States and more than 80 countries. The company has approximately 104,000 Team Members employed at more than 300 facilities and offices in the United States and around the world. Through its Core Values, Code of Conduct and Team Member Bill of Rights, Tyson strives to operate with integrity and trust and is committed to creating value for its shareholders, customers and Team Members. The company also strives to be faith-friendly, provide a safe work environment and serve as stewards of the animals, land and environment entrusted to it.
The Tyson Foods, Inc. logo is available at http://www.primenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=3224