Wayne-Sanderson Farms, the third largest poultry producer in the United States, named a new CEO who will take over upon the retirement of current chief executive Clint Rivers next spring.
Kevin McDaniel, who is currently chief operating officer, will become CEO effective April 1, 2025. Rivers will remain executive chairman of the board for the 2026 fiscal year.
“Having worked closely with Kevin over the last several years, I am confident that he is the perfect choice to lead Wayne-Sanderson Farms into this next chapter,” Rivers said in a statement. “He brings a wealth of experience and vision to the role, and I look forward to supporting him through this transition.”
McDaniel joined Wayne-Sanderson as senior director of Fresh Operations and as vice president and general manager of the Fresh Business Unit, according to a release. He was named COO in 2021.
Previously, McDaniel was president of poultry breeding company Aviagen and, over the course of his three-decade career, held roles at Pilgrim’s Pride and OK Foods. He currently sits on the board of directors for the National Chicken Council and U.S. Poultry & Egg Association
“I am excited for the bright future ahead for our organization, as we strive to achieve our vision of being the amazing poultry company, recognized as the partner of choice by our customers, coworkers, farmers and communities,” McDaniel said in a statement.
Rivers is retiring after overseeing the merger of Wayne Farms and Sanderson Farms in 2022, a deal that placed the company under the ownership of a joint venture by Cargill and Continental Grain. He was previously CEO of Wayne Farms, joining the company in 2012.
“I am deeply grateful for the incredible journey I have had with Wayne-Sanderson Farms, and it has been a privilege to work alongside such a talented and dedicated team,” said Rivers. “I am very proud of what we have accomplished together over the last 12 years.”