Simmons Foods announced this week changes to its organization structure, which are part of the company’s long-term succession plan.  Todd Simmons has been named CEO and vice chairman of Simmons Foods and Affiliates, where he will be focusing on strategy development and deployment, capital allocation, people development, customer development, and bank and bondholder relations.  This change aligns all business units under Todd Simmons leadership.  He will report to Mark Simmons, who will continue to work with the company’s executive team and advisory board and continue environmental and community outreach activities.

Additional leadership changes are as follows: 

  • Gene Woods , a 30-year Simmons veteran, will continue with responsibility over Simmons Feed Ingredients, Custom Processing,  Energy Solutions, and Dry Pet Food.  He will add the responsibility for Wet Pet Food and assume the title president and chief operating officer, Simmons Feed Ingredients and Simmons Pet Food.  Woods will report to Todd Simmons.  
  • David Jackson, president of Simmons Wet Pet Foods, will report to Gene Woods and will focus on Wet Pet Food’s  recently announced business transitions.  David has been with Simmons for over 21 years.  
  • Gary Murphy will continue reporting to Todd and lead the poultry group.  His new title is president and chief operating officer of Simmons Poultry Group.  Gary has had an over 21 year career with Simmons.
  •  Jerry Laster,  senior vice president of strategy and business development; Steve Gardner, senior vice president of people services; and Mark Wiens:  executive senior vice president and chief financial officer, will report to Todd Simmons.