SPRINGDALE, Ark., April 17, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Scott McNair has been named group vice president of Consumer Products for Tyson Foods Inc., company officials announced today. He will oversee marketing and sales for all divisions within Tyson's Consumer Products business, including Deli, Processed Meats, Wholesale Clubs and Retail.

McNair has 20 years of experience in the food industry. He has been part of Tyson Foods for almost seven years, most recently serving as senior vice president of Case Ready Meats. He has also previously held various management positions with other food companies, including ConAgra Frozen Foods, Acosta, Morrison Lamothe and Stouffer Foods.

McNair replaces Rob DeMartini, who joined Tyson in 2006 but is leaving to become chief executive officer of New Balance Athletic Shoe, Inc. of Boston, Massachusetts.

"Scott is a proven leader, with an extensive background in the food business," said Bill Lovette, senior group vice president of Poultry and Prepared Foods for Tyson. "We believe he has the skills to capitalize on the organizational progress made during Rob's tenure, which has included renewed focus on creating demand and growing our business."

Recent strategic changes in Tyson Consumer Products group have included increasing the company's analytical capacity and understanding of existing and emerging consumer needs. More specifically, the company has become more focused on helping consumers become "mealtime heroes" by providing fresh and healthy mealtime solutions that are either homemade with help, fast and flexible or ready now.

McNair is a native of Cinnaminson, New Jersey. He holds a masters degree in business from Fontbonne College of St. Louis and a bachelor's degree in marketing from Messiah College of Grantham, Pennsylvania.

From the April 23, 2007, Prepared Foods e-Flash