Hormel Foods Corporation (NYSE: HRL) announced that Joe O'Connor has been appointed group vice president of enterprise performance, effective Oct. 26, 2026.

O'Connor, who most recently served as vice president of emerging brands, will lead enterprise performance efforts across the company's business units and functions. His responsibilities will include strengthening decision-making, improving planning processes, and supporting long-term business performance.

John Ghingo, president and chief executive officer-elect of Hormel Foods, attributed the appointment to O'Connor's track record. "Through his leadership of Applegate and, more recently, our emerging brands business, Joe has demonstrated an ability to build strong teams, adapt to changing market conditions and deliver results," Ghingo said.

O'Connor joined Hormel Foods in 2006 as a sales representative in Chicago and has held roles across sales, marketing, category management, and general management over more than 20 years with the company. He joined Applegate as vice president of sales and marketing in 2020, was named assistant vice president of emerging brands and president of Applegate in 2022, and assumed the emerging brands vice president role in 2025.

Prior to joining Hormel Foods, O'Connor held positions at Snyder's of Hanover, Clemens Markets, and Albert Organics. He holds a bachelor's degree in food marketing from Saint Joseph's University.