Foster Farms, a longstanding household name in the poultry industry, has appointed Jayson Penn as its new chief executive officer, effective March 18.
Penn steps into the role previously held by Donnie Smith, who assumed leadership following Atlas Holdings’ acquisition of Foster Farms in June 2022. Smith, known for his tenure at Tyson Foods, retired in 2016 after 36 years with the company.
In his new position, Penn expresses enthusiasm for Foster Farms’ legacy and pledges to uphold its reputation while steering the brand towards continued success. With a career spanning various poultry enterprises, including John Soules Food and Pilgrim’s Pride Corp., Penn brings a wealth of industry expertise to his role.
Accompanying Penn’s appointment, Foster Farms introduces James Richards as the new chief financial officer. Richards, formerly of Kodi Collective and General Electric, adds a seasoned perspective to the leadership team, aligning with Foster Farms’ strategic vision for growth and innovation.
Atlas Partners, the driving force behind Foster Farms’ evolution, express confidence in the capabilities of Penn and Richards, citing their collective experience and dedication to operational excellence as key assets in guiding Foster Farms into the future.
