IRVING, TEXAS — Darling Ingredients Inc. has announced Suann Guthrie will become the company’s new vice president of investor relations, sustainability and global communications effective February. Guthrie will succeed Melissa Gaither, who is set to retire after more than 33 years at Darling Ingredients.

Gaither began a career at the company in 1989 as a commodity trader and served in leadership roles in many different sectors, including purchasing, investor relations, sustainability and global communications.

"On behalf of the board of directors, I would like to thank Melissa for her tireless dedication and many significant contributions to Darling over the years," said Randall C. Stuewe, chairman and chief executive officer, Darling Ingredients. "We can all be proud of the work Melissa has done. Her strong commitment to investors, employees and customers have been instrumental in growing Darling's visibility as an industry leader."

Guthrie will assume Gaither’s role and will direct the company’s investor relations and communications strategy. She will also lead Darling Ingredients’ dedication to sustainability.

Guthrie has more than 20 years of experience in leadership positions and has experience in strategy development, public and government affairs, media and investor relations, crisis management and corporate communications. Prior to Darling Ingredients, Guthrie served as communications executive at BNSF Railway and acted as head of global public and government affairs at ExxonMobil.

"Suann knows our industry and brings the ideal blend of experience having held senior roles in the transportation and energy sectors," Stuewe said. "She brings a wealth of experience to Darling that is well suited to advance our sustainability vision and communicate our story of global growth in the years ahead."

Read more about personnel changes throughout the industry.