Consumer >> CEO Interviews >> June 15, 2000

Joel Johnson – Hormel Foods Corporation (hrl)

JOEL W. JOHNSON is Chairman, President and CEO of Hormel Foods Corporation. His 32-year career began at General Foods Corporation where he remained until 1991, during which time he was on military leave to serve in Vietnam in the U.S. Army from 1968 to 1969. Captain Johnson was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, and stayed in the military an additional two years. He joined Hormel in 1991 as an Executive Vice President - Sales & Marketing, and a series of promotions followed: President, 1992; Chief Operating Officer, 1993; Chief Executive Officer, 1993; and Chairman of the Board, 1995. Mr. Johnson holds various other directorships, including: Hormel Foods Corporation Executive Committee and The Hormel Foundation; American Meat Institute Executive Committee and Board of Directors, Chairman of the Board for 1998; Carlson School of Management, University of Minnesota Board of Overseers; Grocery Manufacturers of America Board of Directors; Hamilton College Board of Trustees; Ecolab Inc., Board of Directors; Meredith Corporation Board of Directors; U.S. Bancorp Board of Directors. He is a graduate of Hamilton College with a Bachelor of Arts degree, 1965 and of Harvard University, MBA, 1967. Mr. Johnson is married and has three children. Profile
TWST: Give us a historical summary on the company. Then, also, bring us

up-to-date and tell us what you see as your business and company today.

Mr. Johnson: Hormel Foods is a very