July 13, 2021- 5:34 p.m.
Smithfield Foods is changing CEOs after less than a year, citing an immediate step down by Dennis Organ who took over last year.
Shane Smith, the controller for Smithfield’s international business, will replace Dennis Organ, who only stepped into the CEO role in November of 2020.
Smith was announced president and chief financial officer effective July 9th. He replaces Organ, who stepped down due to “personal reasons,” according to the statement.
This is the second high-profile replacement of leadership at a meat packaging plant in a just over month, after Tyson replaced its CEO. Smithfield and other facilities came under fire last year during massive outbreaks of COVID-19 among employees who worked throughout the pandemic.
“I am honored to serve as Smithfield’s next President and CEO and lead an incredible team of more than 63,000 people who all work together to provide families worldwide with wholesome, safe and affordable food,” Smith said in the press statement.
Smith was hired as a financial analyst by Smithfield in 2003. While at Smithfield, Shane Smith earned a Master of Business Administration from the College of William & Mary. He was promoted to director of financial reporting in 2008 and then to international controller for Smithfield’s international business in 2010.
