Hormel Foods Corporation has announced the appointment of Paul Kuehneman as interim Chief Financial Officer and Controller, effective October 27, 2025. Kuehneman will oversee the company’s financial management, treasury operations, and accounting functions while the search continues for a permanent CFO.
Kuehneman, a seasoned Hormel executive with more than three decades of experience in finance and operations, has held leadership roles across the organization, including Vice President and CFO at Jennie-O Turkey Store and Vice President and Controller for Hormel Foods. He succeeds Jacinth Smiley, who has left the company to pursue other opportunities.
Interim CEO Jeff Ettinger said the leadership transition comes as Hormel continues to advance its strategic initiatives and navigate a complex marketplace marked by inflationary pressures and shifting protein demand.
The company reaffirmed its expectation for solid fourth-quarter sales performance across its retail, foodservice, and international segments, supported by steady consumer demand for branded products. Hormel also noted ongoing efforts to improve cost management, strengthen its value-added protein portfolio, and position its supply chain for continued growth.
For the broader pork sector, the update reinforces how leading protein companies are adjusting to new market realities—balancing input costs, evolving consumer trends, and the importance of diversified, branded offerings. Hormel’s continued investment in leadership and operational stability signals confidence in long-term growth across the protein landscape, including pork.
