Hormel Foods Corporation today announced the retirement of James W. Cavanaugh, senior vice president of external affairs and general counsel, effective Jan. 30, 2011.

“Jim’s leadership and expertise in managing the company through regulatory and policy-making changes has been significant to the company’s long-term success,” said Jeffrey M. Ettinger, chairman of the board, president and chief executive officer at Hormel Foods. “He has been at the forefront on managing risk for the company on a daily basis, protecting the company’s intellectual property and overseeing all acquisitions, contracts, litigations and changes to corporate governance. We wish Jim and his wife, Annie, the best in retirement.”

Cavanaugh spent his 29-year career with the company in law. He started at Hormel Foods in 1982 as associate corporate attorney and spent the first 20 years of his career advancing through the law department as a labor specialist and corporate attorney. In 2001, he was named corporate secretary and senior attorney. He was promoted to his current position of general counsel and senior vice president of external affairs in 2005, and served as corporate secretary until 2007. Lori J. Marco will succeed Cavanaugh as vice president of external affairs and general counsel. She will oversee law, corporate communications and legislative and regulatory affairs.

Hormel Foods Corporation today announced that Steven G. Binder has been named executive vice president of Refrigerated Foods and Jody H. Feragen has been named executive vice president and chief financial officer.

“Steve and Jody have extensive knowledge of our business and help develop and execute our strategic direction daily,” said Jeffrey M. Ettinger, chairman of the board, president and chief executive officer at Hormel Foods. “These promotions recognize their hard work and dedication to the company.”

Feragen will continue to oversee all financial areas at Hormel Foods. She joined the company in 2000 as treasurer, assuming the title of vice president and treasurer in 2001. In 2005, she was promoted to vice president of finance and treasurer, and was named senior vice president and chief financial officer in 2007. Prior to joining Hormel Foods, she was assistant treasurer for National Computer Systems.

Binder will continue to lead the growth and profitability of the Refrigerated Foods division. He joined Hormel Foods in 1979 and progressed through numerous sales and management positions within the foodservice and meat products groups. He assumed his current position as group vice president refrigerated foods in 2007.

New Responsibilities

Ronald W. Fielding has been named executive vice president of corporate strategy, planning and development. In his new role, Fielding will focus on corporate direction and growth by continuing to oversee corporate strategy and the mergers and acquisitions process. Given the importance on identifying and developing future growth platforms, Fielding will also assume responsibility for consumer insights, corporate innovation and new channel development teams.

“Ron’s new position will allow him to focus on identifying key areas where we can continue to expand our business,” Ettinger said.

Fielding started his career with Hormel Foods in 1994 and has held various positions in Hormel Foods International Corporation, Hormel Foods Sales LLC and the Refrigerated Foods and Grocery Products divisions. He advanced to his current position of executive vice president in 2007. Prior to joining Hormel Foods, Fielding spent 19 years with Philip Morris Companies.

Other advancements

· Thomas R. Day is being promoted to group vice president of foodservice, and will continue reporting to Binder. Day joined Hormel Foods in 1981and advanced through several positions within the foodservice group. He became senior vice president of foodservice in 2007.

· James M. Splinter, vice president of marketing for Hormel Foods consumer products in the Refrigerated Foods division, is being named group vice president of Grocery Products and will assume responsibilities for this division from Fielding. Steven J. Venenga will advance to director of marketing for meat products, and will report to Binder. Splinter joined Dubuque Foods in 1984 and has held various marketing positions in the Refrigerated Foods, Grocery Products and Jennie-O Turkey Store divisions. In 2003, he was promoted to his current position.

Venenga started his career as a product marketing manager at Jennie-O Turkey Store in 1996 and held various marketing positions. In 2005, he was promoted to his current position as group product manger for meat products in Austin, Minn.

All changes will be effective on Nov. 1, 2010.