Hormel Foods names Jeremiah Johnson as food safety VP after Carlson retires

Hormel Foods Corporation (NYSE: HRL) announced that Richard Carlson, vice president of global food safety and quality management, will retire after 35 years with the company. Jeremiah Johnson, director of food safety management, will succeed Carlson in the role effective May 1, 2026.

Carlson joined Hormel Foods in 1990 as a quality and process control engineer at the Austin, Minnesota plant. He held various quality assurance and production management positions across company facilities before becoming vice president of quality management at Hormel Foods in 2014. Carlson holds a bachelor's degree in food science from Purdue University.

"Richard has provided dedicated leadership in food safety and quality throughout his tenure," said Jeff Ettinger, interim chief executive officer, according to the company's statement. "He led our company through critical food safety initiatives, including the expansion into new product categories and implementing new and enhanced food safety protocols."

Johnson joined Hormel Foods in 2005 as a quality and process control supervisor at the Austin plant. He progressed through various quality management roles and was named assistant director of food safety management in 2023 before assuming his current position in 2025. Johnson graduated from Iowa State University with a bachelor's degree in mathematics.

In his new role, Johnson will oversee all company quality, plant regulatory and food safety activities. "Jeremiah brings deep expertise in food safety, quality and regulatory affairs, along with strong operational knowledge," said John Ghingo, president.

Hormel Foods, based in Austin, Minnesota, reported over $12 billion in annual revenue and operates across more than 80 countries worldwide, according to the press release statement.

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