Springdale-based Tyson Foods Inc. announced the promotion of Rick Thomason to president and general manager of Tyson de Mexico, the company’s oldest international business. In his new role, Thomason will oversee all of Tyson de Mexico’s daily business.
“Rick played a critical role in Tyson Foods’ international growth over the last several years,” said Rob Tanksley, senior vice president of Tyson’s Latin America business unit. “He was instrumental in driving our international business to achieve strong earnings growth. In Mexico, he will be part of a very successful team and make a crucial contribution to its success in the future.”
Thomason joined Tyson Foods’ corporate cost accounting group in 1991 and has held several positions within the finance and accounting group during his career with the company. Before his promotion, he was vice president of accounting for Tyson Foods’ international businesses.
He grew up in Union City, Ind., and earned a bachelor’s degree from Missouri State University.
Tyson Foods has had a presence in Mexico for more than 20 years. Tyson de Mexico is a vertically-integrated poultry producer and marketer employing approximately 5,400 employees. Tyson de Mexico holds the No. 3 market-share position and is the country’s leading value-added chicken company. It processes approximately 2.7 million chickens per week at three processing plants.
Tyson de Mexico markets products under the Tyson, Del Dia and Granja San Martin brands. The company exports chicken to Vietnam and Guatemala. The company recently expanded into central Mexico to accommodate customers in that region.