According to Perdue Farms’ announcement on 12 July, Kevin McAdams who came to the company as COO and president in July 2022 has been appointed the company’s new CEO.
“The opportunity to lead such a well-established, values-based company is the professional honor of a lifetime,” McAdams stated. “I am grateful to the leadership team, including Randy Day and Jim Perdue, for their support and confidence, and the committed team of 21,000 associates producing high-quality, trusted food for families nationwide, our network of family farmers, and our customers and consumers.”
In April, the company has already announced a staff change after current CEO Randy Day declared his retirement. Although, he will stay as advisor for the company until the end of next year.
“After 43 years with Perdue, and the last six as CEO, I’m looking forward to spending more time with my family,” Day commented. “I appreciate the opportunity to serve this wonderful organization for my entire career. I know that I am leaving our company in good hands with Kevin, who possesses the values and leadership qualities to continue driving the business toward our vision to be the most trusted name in food and agricultural products.”
Jim Perdue, chairman of Perdue Farms, also praised the move to promote McAdams to the top executive role.
Chairman Jim Perdue also welcomed the promotion: “As a 103-year-old, family-owned company, we have been very deliberate in our succession planning and believe Kevin is the right person to lead the next chapter of our company’s history,” he said. “I am personally grateful to Randy for his four decades of service to our business, his leadership, friendship and contributions to our growth and success, and wish him the best in his retirement.”
McAdams has completed Iowa State University in Ames with a bachelor’s in political science in 1993. Previously, he served as president of North America at Jack Links, president of Schwan’s Consumer Brands and Pabst Brewing Co. and held several operational positions at Mizkan, Red Bull North America, The Coca-Cola Co. and Frito-Lay.