West Liberty, Iowa-based West Liberty Foods announced the promotion of Brandon Achen to the position of President and Chief Executive Officer, effective May 31, 2022.
Aachen is a 16-year industry veteran who started as an intern with West Liberty Foods and has since seen a long stint in operations, supply chain management and key customer relationship management for the organization. He was promoted as President in 2020. Throughout his time at West Liberty Foods, Aachen has gained valuable experience in operations scheduling, engineering and executive management while meeting the challenges of risk management, supply chain disruptions and the recent global pandemic.
In 2014, Aachen received the “30 Under 30 Award” at the International Poultry & Processing Expo. He is a graduate of Iowa State University and is certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) by the APICS organization. Aachen is also a permanent board member of the Iowa Turkish Federation and the National Turkish Federation. Born in Iowa and raised on his parents’ turkey farm, Aachen quickly learned the skills to properly care for turkeys while managing a farming operation, leading a company owned by a farmers’ cooperative. Became a good choice to lead.
“Our board of directors and executive management team are excited to be leading our next generation,” says Paul Hill, president of West Liberty Foods. “Brandon has extensive experience with our key customers and vendors, creates innovation and process improvements, and knows our organization from the farm in all of our facilities. We are confident that Brandon will guide West Liberty Foods to further growth and success. as we continue to build the future of protein for the food industry.
“I am humbled by the opportunity to lead our great organization,” says Aachen. “We have many things to be proud and optimistic about at West Liberty Foods, and I look forward to seeing what the future holds for us.”
West Liberty Foods recently announced that its CEO Ed Garrett would be retiring at the end of the month. Garrett has been CEO since 2004. To ensure a smooth change in leadership, and as part of the company’s succession plan, Garrett and Aachen have worked together over the years to immerse Aachen in all aspects of the company’s business.
