Hormel Foods Corporation announced that Scott Aakre, group vice president and chief marketing officer for retail, will retire at the end of the company's fiscal 2025 after 35 years of distinguished service. His responsibilities will be transitioned internally. The company also announced that Aakre, who serves on The Hormel Foundation board, was appointed to the Hormel Foods board of directors, effective May 15, 2025, enabling the company to continue benefiting from his expertise.

Aakre joined Hormel Foods in 1990 and held a variety of management positions for the company before being named vice president of marketing for grocery products in 2005. Aakre transitioned to vice president of corporate innovation and new product development in 2011. He then became senior vice president of Brand Fuel in 2022 and assumed his current position in 2023.

Aakre is active in the innovation industry as well as in a variety of community and charitable causes. He has been a champion for the United Way of Mower County, previously serving on its board. In April 2025, Aakre was named to the board of directors of The Hormel Foundation, an unaffiliated non-profit organization with a charitable mission that beneficially owns approximately 46% of the company's common stock. Aakre earned a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in business administration from the University of Minnesota.

Jeff Baker Named Group Vice President for Retail Marketing at Hormel Foods

Hormel Foods Corporation also announced that Jeff Baker, group vice president of retail marketing for value-added meats, will assume the role of group vice president for retail marketing at the end of the company's fiscal 2025. Following the retirement of Aakre, Baker will oversee the evolution of the company's brand portfolio to meet changing consumer preferences, amplify its presence in snacking and entertaining, and drive growth in its food-forward portfolio.

Baker, a 35-year Hormel Foods veteran, joined the company in 1990 and held various positions of increasing responsibility from sales to product management to marketing. He advanced to vice president of marketing, Foodservice in 2012 and was promoted to group vice president of Foodservice in 2015. In 2018, he was named group vice president of Deli and assumed his current role in 2022.