SALISBURY, MD. — Perdue Farms highlighted some new hires in its senior leadership on Dec. 19.

The agriculture company announced that Gregg Uecker joined Perdue Foods in the newly created chief supply chain and operations officer position.

Uecker will work with the entire Perdue Foods supply chain for this role, including live production, plant operations, transportation, and warehousing. He will also oversee order fulfillment, customer service, food safety, quality assurance, procurement and engineering.

“Gregg’s depth of experience and understanding of operations and supply chain agility will help optimize our supply chain efficiencies to meet and exceed the unique needs of our customers and consumers, and drive sustainable growth for the company,” said Kevin McAdams, chief executive officer of Perdue Farms.

Uecker joined Perdue after working at CJ Schwan’s as executive vice president of the global supply chain. Before that, Uecker worked for more than 30 years with Tyson Foods in various senior leadership roles like senior vice president of operations and supply chain for Prepared Foods, senior vice president of Supply Chain Strategy, senior vice president/general manager of Processed Meats, senior vice president/general manager of animal feed and ingredients and vice president of operations.

Along with the hiring of Uecker, Perdue announced the promotion of Julie Katigan to executive vice president and chief human resources officer.

In this position, Katigan will oversee Perdue Farms’ people strategies that engage and develop talent, shape culture, and focus on associate well-being through active talent management, diversity and inclusion, and total rewards.

“Our associates are the backbone of our company and Julie’s vision and expertise will be invaluable as we continue to provide a positive experience in a safe, inclusive and supportive environment,” McAdams said.

Katigan became senior vice president of human resources for Perdue in May 2022. Before joining the company, she was the chief human resources officer for James Hardie Building Products. In her career, she’s worked in several leadership roles at companies like Colfax Corporation, Electrolux, Mead Johnson Nutrition, and Ford Motor Company.

In July 2023, Kevin McAdams officially took over the role of CEO for Perdue Farms. He was hired as chief operations officer and president in 2022.

Read more about personnel changes throughout the industry.