Tyson Foods appoints first-ever sustainability exec

Tyson Foods appears to be making good on a promise it made in New York this year to put sustainability at the heart of its plans.
 
Whitmore, in the newly created role of chief sustainability officer, was hired to drive change through the company by delivering healthier food, healthier animals and reducing the meat processor’s impact on the environment.

As the top sustainability official at Tyson Foods, Whitmore will have two juggle two major priorities: implementing a sound sustainability strategy that drives positive change, while ensuring Tyson continues to deliver a fast-growing portfolio of meat brands globally.

Tyson Foods CEO Tom Hayes said he was “pleased” to welcome Whitmore to the fold, adding the new appointment could make changes that reverberate across the US meat industry.

Operations experience​

“Justin brings considerable operations experience to Tyson as well as an approach that breaks down barriers and unlocks the potential of teams,”​ said Hayes.

“We believe he will not only drive change at Tyson, but across our industry as he partners with the many important stakeholders in our supply chain and food system.”​

Hayes said Tyson created the new role as part of a commitment to future sustainability, and new initiatives would be funded through a “best-in-class approach to continuous improvement”​.

'Honoured'​

On his appointment, Whitmore said: “I’m honoured by Tyson Foods’ confidence in me to serve as its first chief sustainability officer.​

“This is a company I know and respect. I’m excited to contribute to its strong legacy of leadership as we take on the challenge of global food sustainability.”​

Whitmore’s will start work on 1 May 2017, reporting directly to Hayes.

Prior to joining Tyson Foods, Whitmore worked as a consultant at McKinsey & Company, where he has been since 2014.