Tyson Foods announced it would strengthen the benefits it offers its fully vaccinated U.S. frontline team members. Effective January 1, 2022, fully vaccinated team members can begin earning up to 20 hours of paid sick leave per year. New hires will also receive one week of vacation after six months of employment.

Michigan-based foodservice management company Creative Dining Services (CDS) has promoted Susan Golder to VP of marketing and business development, and Jane Newton to associate VP of people services, both effective July 1. Golder was previously director of marketing at CDS, while Newton was director of people services. 

Choptank Transport, a leading third-party logistics provider, announced the promotion of Julie Mallon to Senior Data Analyst as part of the company’s growing Business Intelligence team.

PSSI, a food safety and contract sanitation provider, appointed Doug White to the newly created position of Chief Operating Officer and promoted Jake Watts to its executive leadership team as Senior Vice President of Shared Services effective immediately.

Smithfield Foods announced it has appointed Shane Smith, a two-decade veteran of the company and, most recently, its chief strategy officer, as president and chief executive officer, effective immediately. Mr. Smith will succeed Dennis Organ, who is stepping down for personal reasons.

Eriez has promoted Gareth Meese to Regional Sales Director-EMEA. Meese, who formerly served as Eriez-Europe Sales Director, will now direct, align and support Eriez’ strategic sales efforts over a wider geography, including Europe, the Middle East, India and Northern Africa.

Raley’s announced the promotion of two key leaders within the organization: Craig Benson has been named Senior Vice President, Head of Technology, and Levi Wingo's is now the company's Vice President of Operations.

Gold Coast Packing has promoted two employees and added one member to its team. The business has always been family owned and operated since its inception in 1978 by long-time friends Ron Burk and Bob Espinola. And it will continue that way as Burk’s son Gary has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer. Prior to the promotion, Gary was Gold Coast’s general manager. He had held that position since 2019. Gary will now oversee all daily operating duties at Gold Coast Packing and the company’s processing facility, Fresh Venture Foods.

Tyson Foods announced today that COO Donnie King has been named President and CEO, effective immediately. Current President and CEO Dean Banks is leaving the company and board for personal reasons.

Local Bounti, a U.S. indoor agriculture company, has promoted Biotech veteran Kathleen Valiasek to Chief Financial Officer and added food industry innovator Mark Nelson to the Company’s Board of Directors.