Butterball has tapped Scott Vinson to assume the role of EVP of sales and marketing following the retirement of Al Jansen at the end of 2025.
Vinson will assume his new role June 9, working alongside Jansen during the leadership transition. He comes to Butterball with more than 30 years of experience in the meat industry, most recently serving as chief of customer experience with Cargill Protein, North America.
“Scott will be an incredible asset to our executive leadership team,” said Jay Jandrain, president and CEO of Butterball. “His values align with our culture and purpose, and his extensive experience in the protein category will immediately benefit our organization. We couldn’t be happier that he’s chosen to work at Butterball.”
Jansen has been responsible for sales, marketing and customer service in the foodservice, retail, international and industrial channels, as well as leading Butterball’s corporate strategy process.
“Al is an incredible leader, respected by everyone he works with internally and externally. He’s been integral in growing our retail and foodservice business internationally and domestically, and a champion for innovation,” Jandrain said.
“Our team members, customers, board members and executive leadership team have tremendous respect for the impact he’s had on our business and his dedication to ensuring Butterball remains the turkey brand consumers love and trust. We wish him the best in his retirement.”
Jansen
Jansen joined Butterball in 2014 as a part of the executive leadership team after a career at Perdue Farms and Agrimetrics. His accomplishments include cultivating a solid team, stewarding the Butterball brand and serving as a key partner to major retailers and foodservice distributors.
Under his leadership, Butterball has built a customer and product portfolio central to the company’s sustained success, including rapidly doubling its ground turkey tray pack business.
“It’s been an honor to work for such an iconic brand,” Jansen said. “I’m incredibly proud of our amazing team and am excited to see what’s to come from Butterball.” Retirement will include spending time in the mountains, on the water and with the grandchildren.
Vinson
Vinson joins Butterball after 25 years of service with Cargill and nearly six years at Perdue Farms. At Cargill, Vinson was responsible for driving revenue across sales channels, leading the sales, trading and distribution organizations, as well as customer service.
“The turkey category has numerous opportunities for growth through innovation, and Butterball has the opportunity to ensure that turkey remains relevant to future generations of consumers. I am excited to join the Butterball team,” Vinson said.
About Butterball
Headquartered in Garner, North Carolina, Butterball has been in business for more than 60 years, providing retail and foodservice products to customers in more than 30 countries. It was the first major turkey company to voluntarily achieve certification through American Humane Society.
The company has nearly 7,000 employees who work in production facilities, live operations and offices across Arkansas, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri and North Carolina.
[RELATED: Butterball Launches Cook From Frozen Turkeys]