Austin, Min. Jeff Frank has been named Vice President of FoodService Marketing at Hormel Foods Corp. Mr. Frank replaces David Weber, who was recently promoted to Vice President of Foodservice Sales.
Mr Frank was most recently president of Megamax Foods, a joint venture between Hormel and Herdez del Fuerte that includes brands such as Wholey Guacamole, Chi-Chi and Herdez. Mr. Frank began his career at Hormel in 1998 as a meat products sales representative, eventually rising to the position of senior product manager in 2003. In 2005, he was named director of retail marketing at Hormel’s former business in Los Angeles, and was promoted. as Vice President of Retail Marketing in 2007. Mr. Frank was appointed Vice President of Marketing for Megamax Foods in 2009 and assumed the role of President of Megamax Foods in 2013.
“Jeff is an innovative leader who has driven great success and growth in the company’s Megamax Foods business over the years,” said James P. Snee, Hormel Foods’ President, and CEO. “Jeff brings unparalleled food industry expertise from both Megamax and Hormel Foods, and will certainly bring a fresh perspective on multicultural products, innovation and brand building to the food service business.”
As President of Megamax Foods, Mr. Frank is followed by Ryan Michaelis, most recently Vice President of Sales and Marketing. Mr. Michaelis joined Hormel in 1997 as a meat products sales representative, through the meat products area manager and account executive roles until being named corporate category manager for the deli in 2003. He was appointed customer regional manager for Hormel’s Kroger business and customer business in 2005. Walmart’s manager designed the food item sales in 2007. In 2009, Mr. Michaelis was named Corporate Manager of Category Sales for Grocery Products, then in 2013 he was appointed Director of Sales of Walmart and Sam’s Club Grocery Products. He assumed the role of Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Megamax Foods in 2015.
Steve Binder, executive vice president and president of Hormel Business Units, said, “Ryan has worked side-by-side with Jeff to build the Megamax business, which encompasses a whole host of brands ranging from guacamole dips to Herdez products.” “His experience and proven track record of success make him the perfect fit for the role. We look forward to his continued leadership and expertise.”
