Tyson Foods Appoints Seasoned Food Industry Executive to Board
On July 31, 2015, Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE:TSN), based in Springdale, Arkansas, announced the appointment of a new member to its board of directors. The new appointee, Mikel A. Durham, is a seasoned executive with experience in both branded and unbranded consumer goods and foodservice sectors. Durham, 52, will serve as an independent director on the Tyson board, with her appointment effective from July 30. She is currently the chief commercial officer at CSM Bakery Solutions, a global bakery supply manufacturer headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, and backed by private equity. Durham's professional journey began in 1985 at management consulting firm Bain & Company, where she held various roles in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and Russia. She joined PepsiCo in the U.S. in 1994 and rose to the position of vice president and general manager of the company’s south European and north African restaurant operations. She has also held leadership roles at Guinness, Burger King North America, and Cadbury Schweppes. In 2009, she returned to PepsiCo, eventually serving as the global growth officer for PepsiCo Foodservice. She joined CSM Bakery Solutions in 2014. John Tyson, Chairman of the Board of Directors for Tyson Foods, praised Durham's extensive experience in branded consumer packaged goods, her deep knowledge of foodservice, and her track record in leading international growth strategies. He expressed confidence that she would be a valuable addition to the board. Durham is a graduate of Smith College, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics. She also holds a Master’s in Business Administration from Harvard Business School. The Tyson Foods board of directors also includes Gaurdie E. Banister Jr., Jim Kever, Kevin M. McNamara, Brad T. Sauer, Tyson Foods’ president and CEO, Donnie Smith, Robert Thurber, and Barbara A. Tyson, in addition to Durham and Chairman John Tyson. About Tyson Foods: Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE: TSN), headquartered in Springdale, Arkansas, is among the world's largest food companies. It boasts leading brands such as Tyson®, Jimmy Dean®, Hillshire Farm®, Sara Lee®, Ball Park®, Wright®, Aidells®, and State Fair®. The company is a market leader in chicken, beef, and pork, as well as prepared foods. Tyson Foods serves retail and foodservice customers in the United States and around 130 countries worldwide. Founded in 1935 by John W. Tyson, the company remains family-led, with John H. Tyson currently serving as the chairman of the board of directors. Tyson Foods employs approximately 113,000 people at over 400 facilities and offices globally. For media inquiries, please contact Gary Mickelson at gary.mickelson@tyson.com or 479-290-6111. For investor relations, please contact Jon Kathol at jon.kathol@tyson.com or 479-290-4235.