Regent University Executive Leadership Series-HRP Member, Larry Pope

President and chief executive officer of Smithfield Foods, Inc. C. Larry Pope spoke at the Regent University Executive Leadership Series on February 10th.

Smithfield Foods, a global food company headquartered in Smithfield, Va., is the world's largest producer and processor of pork and a leader in turkey processing. It’s wholly owned independent operating companies and joint ventures produce more than 50 brands of pork and turkey products and more than 200 gourmet foods and employ more than 57,000 individuals globally. Among the familiar brands it produces are Smithfield, Butterball, John Morrell, Farmland Foods, Gwaltney, Patrick Cudahy, Krakus, Cook's Ham, and Stefano’s.

And, what's it like to be a global food company? Smithfield Foods has a relatively small corporate staff in Hampton Roads that runs an $11 Billion global company with a presence in 15 countries. According to Pope the company runs efficiently as a “decentralized” operation due numerous independent operating companies and joint ventures in these various global markets. Business close to the customer is important.

Larry Pope attributes company success to few changes in management, taking advantage of the wealth of institutional knowledge built over time.

“It is a complex world we live in,” said Pope. “The way we do business today is quite different than it used to be.” People want to know about what you are doing to preserve the environment, animal welfare, food safety, worker programs, immigration policy, human rights, ethics, financial policies, foreign corrupt practices, supporting the community – and all this before you mention anything about selling meat! McDonalds Corporation recently presented Smithfield Foods with a the first- ever Sustainability Award recognizing the company’s commitment to protect the environment, ensure the safety, the well-being of animals, the quality of products and promoting education in the communities they serve.

Other interesting facts about Smithfield Foods:
• 20% of the meat produced leaves the USA, making world trade policy critically important
• Products are produced more cheaply than by anyone else in the world
• Social responsibility is demonstrated through programs like:

• Helping Hungry Homes, by providing 1 million servings of meat to needy families across the country
• Learners to Leaders, a program designed to help high school students enhance their leadership and career development skills, as well as their personal growth.

About Larry Pope:
Pope joined Smithfield Foods in 1980 as controller. He became vice president, finance in 1999; chief financial officer in 2000; and was named president and chief operating officer in 2001. Pope succeeded Joseph W. Luter III as chief executive officer of Smithfield Foods in 2006.

According to Luter, "Larry Pope could not be more qualified to be chief executive of Smithfield. For 25 years he worked with me to build this company for the long term, not being distracted by near-term industry dynamics. He has played a vital role in the integration of our many acquisitions we have made to build this company. There could not be a more seamless transition to solidify Smithfield's future. Larry is a dedicated leader who will make the right decisions for employees and shareholders."

As Smithfield president and CEO, Pope initiated the statement "Good Food. Responsibly.™" within his company as part of its commitment to setting industry standards for corporate social responsibility.