Last updated on June 14th, 2024
Jim Graham will assume the position of VP of research and development and quality assurance, and Joseph O’Connor will take on the role of VP of sales and marketing at Bridgewater, New Jersey-based Applegate, makers of a natural and organic meat brand. Applegate Farms is a stand-alone subsidiary of Hormel Foods Corp.
Graham recently retired from Mondelez International, formerly Kraft Foods Global LLC, where he spent more than 30 years in research and development. O’Connor began his career with Hormel Foods in 2006. Both will report to John Ghingo, Applegate president.
“As we enter a new decade with strong headwinds facing the meat industry, I’m confident Jim and Joe’s expertise will inspire the Applegate team to relentlessly pursue smarter ways to fulfill the Applegate mission: Changing The Meat We Eat,” said Ghingo. “There’s a huge opportunity to help people understand that meat, raised right, is a vital part of the human experience and a healthy planet, and Jim and Joe will be instrumental in leading our efforts through product innovation, sales and marketing.”
At Mondelez, Graham held R&D leadership positions across many global divisions including; North America, Global Coffee, Global Cheese and Dairy, Global Enhancer Brands, and North American Meats. He brings R&D experience on global brands including Oreo, Ritz, Maxwell House, Kraft Cheese, Mac & Cheese and Oscar Mayer. He holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Columbia University and master’s degree in chemical engineering from Manhattan College. Graham is a resident of Morristown, New Jersey.
O’Connor has held several positions in sales and sales strategy throughout his tenure at Hormel Foods. Most recently, he served as director of sales and managed the Hormel Foods Consumer Product Sales business in the Northeast. His other roles included analytics and category sales and management. O’Connor also led several special project assignments where he was tasked with managing cross-functional teams. O’Connor graduated from Saint Joseph’s University with a degree in food marketing. He is still very active on campus representing Hormel Foods.
