Technology Leader from Alphabet’s X Joins Tyson Foods' Board

On November 16, 2017, in Springdale, Arkansas, it was announced that Dean Banks, an executive from X, a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc. known for developing and launching innovative technologies, has been appointed to the board of directors of Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE: TSN). Tyson Foods confirmed that Banks officially joined their board on November 15, becoming one of nine independent directors on the now eleven-member board. He will also serve on the Governance and Nominating Committee and the Strategy and Acquisitions Committee. John Tyson, Chairman of the Board of Directors for Tyson Foods, stated that Banks was recommended by the board's nominating committee due to his unique experience in innovation, technology, and his track record in developing and investing in start-ups. Tyson believes that Banks' expertise will aid in understanding and leveraging technology for the company's growth and improvement. Banks has a diverse background in technology-related businesses as an entrepreneur, investor, and leader. Since 2016, he has been a project lead and a leadership team member for X, previously known as Google [x]. In addition to his role at X, Banks is also a board member of Vergent Bioscience, a company that develops molecular imaging probes for life science research and development. Prior to his current roles, Banks was the managing partner of SEED Ventures, investing in and developing early-stage healthcare technologies. He has also held positions as a consultant to Cleveland Clinic Innovations, CEO of Occelerator, SVP of Business Development and Strategic Marketing at OrthoHelix (acquired by Tornier, Inc.), co-founder and CEO of Connective Orthopaedics, and Vice President at Highland Capital Partners. Banks, a former platoon sergeant and squad leader in the U.S. Marine Corps, holds a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing and Public Relations from Miami University and an MBA from Harvard Business School. The Tyson Foods board of directors, in addition to Banks and Chairman John Tyson, includes Gaurdie E. Banister Jr.; Mike Beebe; Mikel A. Durham; Tyson Foods president and CEO Tom Hayes; Kevin M. McNamara; Cheryl S. Miller; Jeffrey K. Schomburger; Robert Thurber and Barbara A. Tyson. Tyson Foods Inc. (NYSE: TSN), one of the world's largest food companies and a leader in protein, was established in 1935 by John W. Tyson and has been led by three generations of the Tyson family. The company, headquartered in Springdale, Arkansas, had 122,000 employees as of September 30, 2017. Tyson Foods is committed to operating with integrity, creating value for its shareholders, customers, communities, and employees, and being a responsible steward of the animals, land, and environment entrusted to it. For more information, visit www.tysonfoods.com. For media inquiries, contact Gary Mickelson at 479-290-6111 or gary.mickelson@tyson.com.