Hormel Foods has named President John Ghingo as its next CEO, effective Oct. 26, completing a leadership transition the company laid out more than a year ago.
Ghingo will succeed interim CEO Jeff Ettinger, who has led the Austin, Minnesota-based company since July 2025. Ghingo, who has served as president and a board member since that time, will continue on the board. His appointment concludes a search that began with the planned retirement of former chairman, president and CEO Jim Snee.
Ghingo rejoined Hormel in 2024 as EVP of the company’s retail business, its largest segment by net sales, before being named president in July 2025. As president he oversees the retail, foodservice and international segments, along with global operations, supply chain, research and development, information technology and corporate strategy. He has spent more than 25 years in the consumer packaged goods industry.
“John has quickly demonstrated his ability to lead at enterprise scale, setting clear strategic direction and translating strategy into disciplined execution,” said Bill Newlands, chairman of the Hormel Foods board. “Under his leadership, we believe Hormel Foods will be well positioned to drive our modernization agenda, accelerate sustainable growth and create long-term value for shareholders.”
“I am honored to lead Hormel Foods, a company with an extraordinary legacy, trusted brands and a clear purpose,” Ghingo said. “I am energized to build on that foundation, investing in our brands, modernizing how we operate and creating lasting value for our customers, consumers, team members and shareholders.”
Ettinger to remain on board
Ettinger will stay on as interim CEO through Oct. 25 to support the transition, then continue serving as a director. He first joined Hormel in 1989 and previously served as chairman, president and CEO until his retirement in 2016, a tenure that included the company’s Planters acquisition and portfolio expansion.
Ghingo’s background
Before rejoining Hormel, Ghingo spent more than 15 years at Mondelez International in marketing and general management roles supporting brands including Oreo, Cadbury, Trident and Planters, now a Hormel brand. He later served as president of plant-based foods and beverages at The WhiteWave Foods Co., leading the Silk and So Delicious brands, and as president of Hormel subsidiary Applegate Farms from 2018-22. He then served as CEO of a better-for-you snacking company backed by private equity firm Kainos Capital.
Ghingo graduated from the University of Notre Dame and earned an MBA from New York University’s Stern School of Business.
Hormel Foods brands include Spam, Skippy, Applegate, Justin’s, Hormel Black Label and Columbus.