Hormel Foods Names Donald Monk as Company’s First Chief Technology Officer
Austin, Minn. – February 24, 2026 – Hormel Foods Corporation (NYSE: HRL), the Fortune 500 global branded food company renowned for iconic brands such as SKIPPY®, SPAM®, and JENNIE-O®, today announced the appointment of Donald Monk as its first ever Chief Technology Officer (CTO), effective March 23, 2026. This newly established executive role highlights Hormel Foods’ dedicated focus on advancing its technology, digital, and data capabilities to fuel ongoing innovation and long-term business growth.
A Strategic Move Toward Technology Modernization
Donald Monk will serve as Hormel Foods’ senior-most technology leader charged with envisioning, aligning, and executing the enterprise-wide technology strategy. His responsibilities will span modernizing digital infrastructure, harnessing data analytics, and integrating cutting-edge technological innovations to support the company’s evolving business priorities.
John Ghingo, President of Hormel Foods, expressed enthusiasm over the appointment:
“Don is an exceptional technology leader with a proven track record of transforming large, global organizations and building modern digital capabilities that unlock business growth. As we continue to prioritize the modernization of our technology and data platforms, Don’s experience and leadership will be critical in enhancing the capabilities that empower our business. We are thrilled to welcome him to Hormel Foods.”
Extensive Experience and Proven Leadership
Donald Monk brings more than 35 years of global technology leadership experience to Hormel Foods. His distinguished career includes 33 years at General Mills, where he ultimately served as Chief Information Officer. In that capacity, he spearheaded global technology strategy and operations across international markets, leading complex enterprise transformations and building high-performing technology teams.
Most recently, Monk served as Senior Vice President of Strategy, Governance, and Transformation within Cargill’s digital technology and data organization. There, he shaped global strategy encompassing people, process, analytics, artificial intelligence, finance, and governance — all critical areas to digital transformation.
Throughout his career, Monk has been recognized for his ability to build modern technology ecosystems that enable organizations to accelerate growth, improve operational performance, and remain agile amid fast-changing market conditions.
Educational Background
Monk holds a Master of Science degree in Software Engineering from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities and a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from Minnesota State University, Mankato. His academic foundation complements his extensive practical experience in leading enterprise-wide digital innovations.
About Hormel Foods Corporation
Headquartered in Austin, Minnesota, Hormel Foods Corporation is a global branded food company with annual revenues exceeding $12 billion. The company’s portfolio includes more than 30 trusted brands such as PLANTERS®, HORMEL® NATURAL CHOICE®, APPLEGATE®, WHOLLY®, HORMEL® BLACK LABEL®, and COLUMBUS®, in addition to the widely recognized SKIPPY® and SPAM® products. Recognized as a member of the S&P 500 Index and S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats, Hormel Foods consistently earns accolades for corporate responsibility and is noted by TIME magazine as one of the World’s Best Companies. The company embraces its purpose statement — Inspired People. Inspired Food.™ — bringing beloved food products to tables around the globe.
For more information, visit hormelfoods.com.
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