Hormel Foods Shakes Up R&D Leadership to Drive Innovation
Two high-level appointments at Hormel Foods signal a strategic shift in the company’s product development pipeline. Effective October 26, 2026, the Austin, Minnesota-based food giant is elevating Dr. Aaron Asmus to lead its research division, while bringing in Lisa Selk to bridge the gap between technical innovation and consumer brands.
Dr. Aaron Asmus assumes the role of vice president of Research and Development, stepping up to oversee all functions within the organization. He will report to Dr. Kevin Myers, senior vice president of R&D, food safety, and quality. CEO-elect John Ghingo credited Asmus with strengthening the firm's technical capabilities and advancing internal collaboration, noting that his track record makes him the right choice to manage the company's commercialization efforts.
To complement this technical oversight, Lisa Selk joins the team as vice president of growth and innovation, reporting directly to Asmus. Selk brings a background in consumer insights and brand leadership, tasked specifically with aligning R&D output with shifting market demands. Her mandate centers on accelerating the path from product concept to store shelf. These executive moves arrive as the Fortune 500 company seeks to leverage its portfolio—which includes brands like SPAM, SKIPPY, and PLANTERS—to maintain its competitive edge in a global market.
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