Springdale, Arkansas-based Tyson Foods has named Melanie Boulden as EVP of chief growth officer, effective Feb. 6.
Boulden will report to Donnie King, president and CEO, and will be responsible for all aspects of global brand marketing to foster the growth of the company’s portfolio of brands and products. In this newly created role, Boulden will join the enterprise leadership team and oversee functions including consumer and corporate branding, innovation, research and development, communications and consumer insights and analytics.
“Melanie is an exceptional talent and a proven leader in growing global household brand businesses. She has the creative, operational and financial experience to drive value creation across Tyson Foods’ brand portfolio,” King said.
“The introduction of the new chief growth officer role will allow Melanie to develop a world-class center of excellence around brand marketing that will be critical as Tyson Foods continues to focus on future growth.”
Boulden brings more than two decades of food, packaged and consumer goods marketing experience having cultivated brands to drive growth and profitability. She recently served as CMO of Coca-Cola North America, responsible for a multibillion-dollar portfolio consisting of more than 20 brands including Coca-Cola, Sprite, smartwater and Minute Maid.
Prior to becoming CMO, she was president of the still beverages business unit for Coca-Cola North America, leading the water, sports drinks, tea and coffee businesses and was president and general manager of venturing and emerging brands. Boulden also served as global head of marketing and brand management at Reebok and has held marketing management roles at Crayola, Kraft Foods and Henkel Consumer Goods.
“As Tyson Foods continues on its strong growth trajectory as a global food leader, I am pleased to be in a role where I will help drive the long-term growth of the company’s broad portfolio of products and iconic brands,” Boulden said.
“I look forward to becoming part of the outstanding leadership team in place at the company, joining a community of world-class team members, and delivering for its customers and consumers around the world.”
Founded in 1935 by John W. Tyson and grown under four generations of family leadership, Tyson Foods has a portfolio of products and brands such as Tyson, Jimmy Dean, Hillshire Farm, Ball Park, Wright, Aidells, ibp and State Fair.
