Tyson Foods is preparing for a significant leadership transition, with new executives set to take over two of the company’s top positions as part of a broader series of management changes at the Springdale-based food producer.
The company announced that Jeff Schomburger will become president and chief executive officer on Oct. 4, succeeding Donnie King, who is stepping down after a 43-year career with Tyson. A transition period is scheduled to begin in July as Schomburger prepares to assume the role.
Schomburger has served on Tyson’s Board of Directors since 2016 and currently serves as the board’s lead independent director. During his tenure, he has held positions on several board committees, including Audit, Compensation, and Strategy and Acquisition. Before joining Tyson’s board, Schomburger spent 35 years with Procter & Gamble, retiring as the consumer products company’s global sales officer in 2019.
King will remain on Tyson’s Board of Directors and is expected to work closely with Schomburger throughout the transition process. King became CEO in 2021 after returning from retirement and guided the company through the COVID-19 pandemic, operational challenges across the food industry, and efforts to improve efficiency and profitability. His tenure also included the consolidation of Tyson’s corporate staff at its Springdale headquarters.
The CEO transition comes alongside another major leadership change. Tyson recently announced that Chief Operating Officer Devin Cole will retire, with longtime company executive Wes Morris taking over the position on June 15.
Morris brings more than 20 years of Tyson experience to the role and previously served as president of the company’s poultry business. After holding multiple leadership positions within the organization, Morris retired earlier this year and is now returning to oversee company operations.
The executive changes extend beyond the CEO and COO positions. Earlier this year, Tyson named Phillip Thomas as chief accounting officer, replacing Lori Bondar, who plans to retire at the end of the company’s fiscal year. The company also saw the departure of former Chief Supply Chain Officer Brady Stewart during the past year.
The leadership changes come as Tyson continues to navigate shifting market conditions across the protein industry. The company recently reported stronger-than-expected quarterly earnings and raised its full-year income outlook, supported in part by strong chicken sales. At the same time, Tyson’s beef segment continues to face challenges tied to historically low cattle supplies.
Tyson has reaffirmed its fiscal 2026 guidance and says it remains focused on executing its long-term growth strategy as the company’s new leadership team takes shape.
