Butterball appoints new president and CEO

US turkey producer, Butterball has named Kerry Doughty as the company’s president and chief executive officer (CEO) effective May 5, 2014.

As CEO, Doughty will be responsible for overseeing the company’s business strategy and operations, and will leverage more than 30 years of experience in the food industry.

“Butterball will benefit from Kerry’s leadership, vision and passion for customers and associates as he steps into his new role as president and CEO,” said Walter Pelletier, president of Maxwell Farms, which shares equal ownership of Butterball with Seaboard Corporation. “Butterball has a strong legacy of providing quality, great tasting products that families enjoy every day, and Kerry is committed to that tradition.”

Doughty joined Butterball in 2007 as executive vice president of sales, marketing and innovation and has proven himself as a key leader within the company and poultry industry. In his role as executive vice president, Doughty held responsibility for Butterball’s domestic and international retail and food service customer relationships, oversaw all marketing and public relations initiatives, and led new product and innovation development. Prior to his seven years with Butterball, Doughty served for more than 25 years in customer service, sales and brand marketing roles of increasing responsibility, including leadership positions with large consumer brands such as Perdue Farms, Hardee’s and Wilson Foods.

“I’m honored to serve as Butterball’s next president and CEO,” said Doughty. “My predecessor was extremely successful in establishing operational efficiencies and a solid, integrated business plan that I truly respect and plan to maintain. Moving forward, I hope to build on that foundation and position our innovation and customer needs at the forefront of Butterball’s business initiatives.”

Responsibilities associated with the executive vice president position will be assigned in short order to ensure a smooth and seamless transition.

Doughty succeeds Rod Brenneman, who has fulfilled his three-year commitment to develop Butterball’s long-term vision for the organization.