Tyson Foods, Inc. has appointed Devin Cole as its president of international operations, according to an earnings call Monday.
Cole, who previously managed teams at Tyson, rejoined the company in March to lead its global McDonald’s business. He is now additionally taking over executive responsibilities for the international business from Amy Tu, who is retiring after six years with the company.
Tyson has made heavy investments in China and parts of Southeast Asia in an effort to build out its foodservice and retail presence, including a plan for new facilities.
However, as the company sold off a number of U.S. production plants last year, rumors also circled that it was looking to sell off its China assets.
While Cole acknowledged that it was too early for him to give a proper evaluation of the international business, “I am convinced that we have the assets and the team to deliver the portfolio of products to meet both customer and consumer needs around the world.”
No investor filing has been issued as of Aug. 7 about the executive change. Cole previously worked at Tyson for 20 years and was named chief commercial officer in 2014, a position he held for a year, according to his LinkedIn.
After leaving Tyson, Cole was president of Keystone Foods’ U.S. operations before becoming chief operating officer of George’s Inc., in 2016. George's is a private chicken company based in Springdale, Arkansas, where Tyson is also headquartered.
Cole is taking over responsibilities for Tu as she steps away after 30 years in the corporate legal field. She has held a number of chief, general and international counsel roles at Walmart, Boeing and Tyson throughout her career, according to LinkedIn. She was named head of Tyson's international business in 2022.
“We wish Amy and her husband Christian well. But we have Devin in the seat now and look forward to many exceptional things as it relates to International,” President and CEO Donnie King said.
Overseas operations generated $582 million in sales in the third quarter, down 8% from last year due to falling prices that offset increased purchase volumes. International operating income totaled $25 million in the three months that ended June 29, compared to a loss of $234 million last year.
Tyson also generated some cash flow after selling a Netherlands production plant that caught fire in the first quarter.
