Tyson Foods names Donnie Smith as CEO

Associated Press - November 19, 2009 9:24 AM ET

SPRINGDALE, Ark. (AP) - Tyson Foods has promoted Donnie Smith to CEO. He takes over leadership of the world's largest meat producer from interim President and CEO Leland Tollett.

Smith, 50, currently serves as Tyson's senior group vice president of poultry and prepared foods. He will work closely with Tollett during the transition period.

Tyson also promoted Jim Lochner, 57, to chief operating officer. Lochner currently serves senior group vice president of fresh meats.

The company said it will name successors for Smith and Lochner in the next two weeks.

Tyson Foods Inc. is based in Springdale, Ark.