Veronica Garabelli// August 19, 2015//
Hampton Roads-based Smithfield Foods announced Wednesday it has created two new leadership roles focused on innovation.
William Brunt has been named senior vice president and chief innovation officer, effective Aug. 31, while Jeff Warner has been brought on as vice president of innovation for the packaged meats division, effective Aug. 24.
Brunt will oversee Smithfield's Innovation Center and be responsible for new product development. He will also continue his past role as senior vice president of marketing.
As vice president of innovation for the packaged meats division, Warner will report to Brunt and will oversee the Innovation Center team. Warner brings more than 20 years of experience to this new role, including 18 years with Heinz North America, where he held research & development, marketing and engineering roles.
Smithfield is a $15 billion global food company and the world's largest pork processor and hog producer.