Tyson Foods Appoints Wes Morris as COO to Strengthen Operations

By Global Leaders Insights Team | Jun 15, 2026

Tyson Foods has appointed longtime company executive Wes Morris as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO), a move aimed at strengthening operations across its major business units as the food giant works to improve performance in a challenging market.

The appointment became effective on June 15 and comes at a key time for the company, which has been working to streamline operations and improve profitability.

Morris will oversee Tyson’s major divisions, including chicken, beef, pork, prepared foods, and international business.

The company announced that Morris is stepping into the role following the retirement of Devin Cole, who previously served as COO.

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Experienced Executive Returns to Leadership

Wes Morris brings more than two decades of experience at Tyson Foods and is widely seen as a familiar face within the company. Over the years, he has held several senior leadership positions, helping manage some of Tyson’s largest business segments.

Before taking on the COO position, Morris served as Group President of Poultry, one of Tyson’s biggest operations. He has also previously led the company’s prepared foods division and poultry business, gaining hands-on experience across different parts of the organization.

Tyson’s incoming President and CEO, Jeff Schomburger, said Morris’ deep understanding of the company and proven leadership made him a strong choice for the position. According to Schomburger, Morris has consistently delivered results and understands the operational challenges and opportunities across Tyson’s business.

Morris said he is looking forward to stepping into the new role and helping the company move forward during an important period. He emphasized the importance of strong execution and long-term growth as Tyson continues to adapt to changing market conditions.

Tyson Looks to Improve Performance

The leadership change comes as Tyson Foods continues to navigate pressure from higher operating costs, shifts in consumer demand, and challenges in some areas of its meat business, particularly beef.

Like many companies in the food industry, Tyson has faced fluctuations in supply costs and changing consumer spending habits. However, the company has recently shown signs of improvement, reporting stronger financial results in recent quarters and focusing on improving efficiency across operations.

Headquartered in Springdale, Arkansas, Tyson Foods is one of the world’s largest food companies, employing around 133,000 people globally. The company owns several popular brands, including Tyson, Jimmy Dean, Hillshire Farm, and Ball Park, while supplying chicken, beef, pork products, and prepared foods to customers worldwide.

Industry analysts view Morris’ appointment as part of Tyson’s broader effort to maintain stability during a period of leadership transition. With a CEO transition also underway, bringing an experienced executive into a key operational role could help the company maintain consistency and stay focused on its long-term goals.

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As Tyson Foods works to strengthen its business and respond to changing consumer needs, Morris’ experience and deep understanding of operations are expected to play an important role in shaping the company’s next phase of growth.