SPRINGDALE, Ark., Dec. 9, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Former Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe has been named to the board of directors of Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE: TSN ), company officials announced today.
Beebe, 68, was appointed this week and becomes one of eight independent directors on the ten-member Tyson Foods board. He was governor of Arkansas from 2007 to 2015, served as the state's attorney general from 2003 to 2007 and was a state senator from 1983 to 2003.
"Governor Beebe's extensive leadership experience, ability to collaborate and his long-time support and understanding of business are among the reasons he was recommended by our nominating committee," said Chairman of the Board of Directors for Tyson Foods, John Tyson. "We believe his skills will benefit Tyson Foods as we continue to grow and become an even better company."
"Our goal is for the Tyson board to have the right balance of skill sets and experience and we're confident Governor Beebe will be an excellent addition to what is already a strong and diverse board," said Robert Thurber, chair of the board's governance and nominating committee.
"I'm honored to be appointed and look forward to working with the leadership at Tyson Foods, a great company that provides so much to so many," said Beebe.
Since leaving office, Beebe joined the Governors' Council for the Bipartisan Policy Center in Washington, D.C., serves as an advisor to Arkansas State University and is of counsel to the Roberts Law Firm in Little Rock.
Beebe received a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Arkansas State University and earned his law degree from the University of Arkansas. He was involved in private law practice for 30 years and previously served on the board of trustees at Arkansas State University.
In addition to Beebe, Thurber and Chairman John Tyson, other members of the Tyson Foods board of directors currently are Gaurdie E. Banister Jr.; Mikel A. Durham; Jim Kever; Kevin M. McNamara; Brad T. Sauer; Tyson Foods President and CEO Donnie Smith; and Barbara A. Tyson.
About Tyson Foods
Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE: TSN ), with headquarters in Springdale, Arkansas, is one of the world's largest food companies with leading brands such as Tyson ® , Jimmy Dean ® , Hillshire Farm ® , Sara Lee ® , Ball Park ® , Wright ® , Aidells ® and State Fair ® . It's a recognized market leader in chicken, beef and pork as well as prepared foods, including bacon, breakfast sausage, turkey, lunchmeat, hot dogs, pizza crusts and toppings, tortillas and desserts. The company supplies retail and foodservice customers throughout the United States and approximately 130 countries. Tyson Foods was founded in 1935 by John W. Tyson, whose family has continued to lead the business with his son, Don Tyson, guiding the company for many years and grandson, John H. Tyson, serving as the current chairman of the board of directors. The company currently has approximately 113,000 Team Members employed at more than 400 facilities and offices in the United States and around the world. Through its Core Values, Code of Conduct and Team Member Bill of Rights, Tyson Foods strives to operate with integrity and trust and is committed to creating value for its shareholders, customers and Team Members. The company also strives to be faith-friendly, provide a safe work environment and serve as stewards of the animals, land and environment entrusted to it.
Gary Mickelson, 479-290-6111,
