Hormel Foods Corp., parent company of brands such as Planters and Jet-Puffed, has appointed Donald Monk as chief technology officer.

In this newly created role, Monk will serve as the company's senior-most technology leader, responsible for envisioning, aligning and delivering the enterprise technology, digital, and data strategy that supports long‑term growth.

"Don is an exceptional technology leader with a proven track record of transforming large, global organizations and building modern digital capabilities that unlock business growth," says John Ghingo, president, Hormel Foods. "As we continue to prioritize the modernization of our technology and data platforms, Don's experience and leadership will be critical in enhancing the capabilities that empower our business. We are thrilled to welcome him to Hormel Foods."

Monk brings more than 35 years of global technology leadership to Hormel Foods, including more than three decades at General Mills, where he ultimately served as chief information officer. He later joined Cargill, most recently serving as SVP of strategy, governance, and transformation for the company's digital technology and data organization. In that role, he guided global strategy and transformation efforts across all aspects of the digital and data function, including people, process, analytics and AI, finance, and technology governance.

Reportedly widely recognized for leading complex enterprise transformations, he has built high‑performing global teams and developed modern technology ecosystems that allow organizations to move faster and deliver stronger business results. He has expertise in shaping enterprise technology strategy, modernizing digital capabilities, and enabling business growth through innovation.

Monk holds a master of science in software engineering from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and a bachelor of science in computer science from Minnesota State University, Mankato.