Tyson Foods Inc. of Springdale on Tuesday announced the appointment of Devin Cole as chief operating officer (COO), as well as the removal of Chief Supply Chain Officer Brady Stewart.
As COO, Cole will oversee the company’s business segments, including poultry, beef, pork, prepared foods and international.
Cole was previously promoted to group president of poultry in February. In his new role, he will continue to report to Donnie King, Tyson Foods president and CEO.
Cole has more than 30 years of experience in the industry. According to a press release from the company, his appointment “reflects Tyson Foods’ commitment to robust succession planning and operational excellence.”
As group president, Cole delivered the company’s third consecutive quarter of volume growth in poultry and improved profitability to international business by driving efficiencies and cost controls.
“We have strong momentum as we head into our new fiscal year, and we remain committed to executing our long-term strategy and operating the company guided by our culture and core values,” King said in the press release. “I am confident that under Devin’s leadership our business will continue to thrive.”
The company also announced that Stewart will be departing the company, effective immediately. Stewart was Tyson’s chief supply chain officer.
The press release stated that the company determined certain actions taken by Stewart violated the Tyson Foods Code of Conduct, but did not offer any other details.
With Stewart’s departure, the supply chain, food safety, health and safety, environmental and transportation functions will now report directly to King.
The changes come a year after former CFO John R. Tyson was suspended by the company after an arrest for driving while intoxicated. Curt Calaway was named interim CFO and assumed the job permanently in August 2024.
The press release also stated that Tyson will share further leadership and organizational updates prior to Sept. 28 – the start of its 2026 fiscal year – consistent with its established succession planning and governance processes.
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