Hormel Foods Promotes John Ghingo to CEO
Hormel Foods has announced that John Ghingo will replace interim chief executive officer Jeff Ettinger, taking over as the permanent leader of the company.
Ghingo continues rising up the corporate ladder at Hormel. He was named president last year after rejoining Hormel Foods in 2024 to lead its retail business.
During his time as president, he has advanced the company’s strategic priorities and helped position the organization for growth and modernization, according to Hormel. In the expanded role, Ghingo will oversee the company’s retail, foodservice and international business segments, along with its global operations, supply chain, research and development, information technology and corporate strategy functions.
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More About Ghingo
Ghingo has more than 25 years of leadership experience across consumer goods.
He has served in senior management and P&L leadership roles across consumer goods organizations, culminating as CEO of PE-backed Whisps and president of Hormel’s natural meat subsidiary, Applegate.
At WhiteWave Foods, he led the U.S. plant-based beverage and frozen food division, driving growth for flagship power brands Silk and So Delicious, after overseeing the North American confections portfolio for Mondelez International (Trident, Sour Patch Kids, Halls).
Throughout his 16-year tenure at Mondelez, he directly steered global and U.S. strategy, brand development, and category performance for billion-dollar biscuit and snack franchises such as Oreo and Planters, according to LinkedIn.
“John has quickly demonstrated his ability to lead at enterprise scale, setting clear strategic direction and translating strategy into disciplined execution," Bill Newlands, chairman of the Hormel Foods board of directors, said in a statement.
"Throughout his career he has built strong teams, strengthened iconic brands, championed innovation and delivered results," Newlands added. "Under his leadership, we believe Hormel Foods will be well positioned to drive our modernization agenda, accelerate sustainable growth and create long-term value for shareholders.”
Ettinger will stay on as interim chief executive officer through Oct. 25, 2026, to support a smooth transition. Afterward, he will continue serving on the Hormel board.
