Hormel Foods Corporation has announced the planned retirement of PJ Connor, group vice president of retail sales, following a 30-year career with the company. Connor will retire in spring 2026.

Natosha Walsh, currently vice president of retail sales–West, will succeed Connor. Walsh has been with Hormel Foods for 26 years and brings experience in sales, trade and category management, supply chain, and brand management.

“PJ has been a tremendous asset to the organization throughout his three-decade long career,” says John Ghingo, president of Hormel Foods. “He consistently delivers results, inspires his teams, and helps shape our company’s strategy and culture. We are grateful for his insight, dedication, and focus on supporting our retail partners.”

“Natosha is an accomplished and respected leader with broad experience and a deep understanding of our business,” Ghingo says. “Her customer focus, collaborative approach, and proven leadership will serve her well as she takes on this important role.”

Connor joined Hormel Foods in 1996 and held various leadership roles, including district team leader, director of the Albertsons business team, and director of customer development. He was named senior vice president of consumer products sales in 2011, promoted to president of consumer products sales in 2019, and assumed his current role in 2022.

Walsh joined the company in 1999 and has held roles in sales, customer account leadership, and marketing. She was named vice president of sales in 2018, vice president of retail sales–national chains in 2022, and vice president of marketing–retail for convenient meals and proteins in 2023. She assumed her current role in 2025.

Walsh holds degrees in marketing and international business from Kansas State University and serves as chair of the Women’s Meat Industry Network.

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