AUSTIN, Minn. — Global branded food company Hormel Foods Corporation (NYSE: HRL) today announced the advancement of Wendy A. Watkins to the new post of senior vice president and chief communications officer for the company’s worldwide operations.
“As more organizations focus on ESG initiatives, Hormel Foods is proud of the work we have done as one of world’s top corporate citizens, leading with transparency, integrity and trust with our stakeholders in all that we do,” Snee said. “Since joining Hormel Foods six years ago, Wendy has built a world-class communications team and elevated the global reputation of Hormel Foods. She has led our corporate responsibility commitments through the creation of Our Food JourneyTM, which has had a positive impact on our people, our communities and our products. Additionally, Wendy was instrumental in the company’s COVID-19 response, ensuring the commitment of Hormel Foods to our people and our communities never wavered in the midst of this pandemic. Her energy, experience and passion for our culture make her a tremendous resource to this company.”
As chief communications officer, Watkins continues her stewardship of the Hormel Foods corporate reputation, internal and external communications, corporate social responsibility and issues management across the organization. She oversees the company’s charitable trust, and its consumer response and engagement group, along with its creative studios. Watkins has led communications since joining Hormel Foods in 2015 as vice president of corporate communications. Watkins will continue to focus on furthering the Hormel Foods reputation as one of the most respected food companies in the world, reporting to Jim Snee, chairman of the board, president and chief executive officer.
Over the last several years, the Hormel Foods corporate communications group has been responsible for leading the company’s narrative as a global branded food company, evolving creative brand public relations campaigns, engagement with the company’s team members around the world and evolving its relationships with thought leaders and change-makers for the betterment of the global food system. It is because of these efforts that Hormel Foods is one of Fortune magazine’s most admired companies, has appeared on Corporate Responsibility Magazine’s “The 100 Best Corporate Citizens” list for the last 12 years, and has received numerous other awards and accolades for its corporate responsibility and community service efforts.
Wendy Watkins joined the company as vice president of corporate communications in 2015 with more than 25 years of experience in global strategic communications, public affairs, marketing and corporate responsibility. Prior to joining Hormel Foods, she spent 15 years as global vice president of corporate communications for Delaware North Companies, one of the largest privately held food, sports and hospitality companies in the world. Prior to Delaware North, Watkins was with Marriott Corporation, including leading global communications for Host Marriott Services Corporation. She began her career in corporate communications and marketing in the banking and real estate industry, leading advertising and communications for Empire of America’s Brandywine Enterprises real estate division after starting her career at Lanier Associates, a public relations and advertising agency.
Watkins has been an active leader in the communications industry and was inducted into the PRWeek Hall of Femme in 2021. She was also honored as a change-maker in the 2021 Top Women in PR Awards program. She is a member of the Forbes Communications Council, the Arthur Page Society, the Vice Presidents Forum and the CCO Council.
Watkins is a member of the board of directors for National Merit Scholarship Corporation and president of the board of directors of the Cancer Nutrition Consortium. She serves on the board of directors for Find the Cause breast cancer research foundation, a board she joined after being honored by the organization in 2014 for her advocacy work. She was named a Woman of Influence by Business First of Buffalo, and participates in numerous other charitable and community organizations.
Throughout her career, Watkins has been active in the food and travel industry. She is passionate about food insecurity and nutrition, and she played a part in the launch of former First Lady Michelle Obama’s childhood obesity initiative with the Chefs Move to School program. She was also an adviser and staff representative to the U.S. Department of Commerce Travel and Tourism Advisory Board and U.S. Travel CEO Roundtable, and appointed by the governor to two terms on the New York State Health Research Science Board.
Watkins received her bachelor’s degree in journalism from University of Missouri-Columbia.
About Hormel Foods – Inspired People. Inspired Food.™
Hormel Foods Corporation, based in Austin, Minn., is a global branded food company with over $10 billion in annual revenues across 75 countries worldwide. Its brands include Planters®, SKIPPY®, SPAM®, Hormel® Natural Choice®, Applegate®, Justin’s®, Columbus®, WHOLLY®, Hormel® Black Label®, Columbus® and more than 30 other beloved brands. The company is a member of the S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats, was named on the “Global 2000 World’s Best Employers” list by Forbes magazine for three years, is one of Fortune magazine’s most admired companies, has appeared on Corporate Responsibility Magazine’s “The 100 Best Corporate Citizens” list for the 12 years, and has received numerous other awards and accolades for its corporate responsibility and community service efforts. The company lives by its purpose statement — Inspired People. Inspired Food.™ — to bring some of the world’s most trusted and iconic brands to tables across the globe. For more information, visit www.hormelfoods.com and https://csr.hormelfoods.com/.
