Hormel Foods Corporation Announces Leadership Appointment

AUSTIN, Minn. – Hormel Foods Corporation announced the appointment of Paul Kuehneman as interim chief financial officer and controller, effective Oct. 27. He will report to Jeff Ettinger, interim chief executive officer, and is accountable for the company's accounting, finance, treasury and internal controls functions.

With more than 30 years of business and finance experience at Hormel Foods, Kuehneman has held a variety of leadership roles, including director of internal audit, vice president and chief financial officer for the Jennie-O Turkey Store, assistant controller and most recently, vice president and controller of Hormel Foods.

"Paul is a respected leader with deep knowledge of our business and a proven track record of results," said Ettinger. "His broad experience across the organization over three decades makes him well-equipped to support our company's strategy, maintain financial discipline and drive long-term shareholder value."

Kuehneman succeeds Jacinth Smiley who is leaving the company and will be pursuing other opportunities, said Hormel Foods. 

"I want to thank Jacinth for her many contributions to Hormel Foods, our culture and our team," said Ettinger. "We wish her the best in her next endeavor."

The company intends to conduct a chief financial officer search and will include internal and external candidates in the process, said Hormel Foods.