Hormel Announces Promotions as Vorpahl Retires This Summer

On the heels of the upcoming retirement of Larry Vorpahl, group VP and President of Hormel Foods International Corporation, the company is announcing a series of internal promotions. Swen Neufeldt, currently VP of Meat Products marketing for the company’s Refrigerated Foods division, has been named group VP and President of Hormel Foods International Corporation. Lisa Selk, currently Director of Hormel Health Labs and the company’s CFI business, will assume the post of VP of Meat Products marketing for Refrigerated Foods.

Vorpahl’s retirement and the related moves will be effective this summer.

Hormel Foods Chairman of the Board, President and CEO Jim Snee commended Vorpahl on what he called “an extraordinary 34-year career” with the company.

“Larry has played an important role in our growth and success during his 34 years with our company,” Snee said. “Larry’s career has touched virtually every business within Hormel Foods. As he moves into retirement, he can look back with pride on his substantial impact on our culture, talent and global footprint. We will certainly miss Larry, but I know this next phase of his life will be as dynamic as his tenure with Hormel Foods.”

Vorpahl joined Hormel Foods in 1986 and held a number of senior-level positions in product management, marketing and sales during the years. In 2015, he was chosen to lead the company’s international division, an area of focus for the Minnesota-based company.

Neufeldt has been tapped to fill the top international spot, a move Snee attributed to his proven international track record.

“Swen brings a wealth of international and strategic business experience to the position, having served as general manager of our China business and president of Asia Pacific for many years. His global perspective will be important as we continue to focus on accelerating growth outside of North America.”

Selk brings diversified experience to the role of leading the Meat Products marketing function within Refrigerated Foods.

“Lisa has a strong background for this position,” Snee said. “She has led a business, built brands and understands the importance of putting the consumer first in innovation and marketing. With this strong consumer brand focus, I am confident she will be successful in this new role.”