Austin, Minn. – October 12, 2026 -- Hormel Foods Corporation (NYSE: HRL) has rehired Holly LaVallie as vice president of marketing excellence, giving her responsibility for enterprise marketing capabilities across its Retail, Foodservice and International businesses.
LaVallie takes charge of six marketing functions at Hormel Foods
LaVallie will lead the development and execution of capabilities meant to support brand growth across the three business segments. Her remit covers brand strategy and experience, design and content, media and agency management, marketing technology, marketing training and marketing effectiveness.
Incoming CEO John Ghingo ties the hire to portfolio growth
John Ghingo, president and chief executive officer-elect, said LaVallie combines institutional knowledge, marketing expertise and leadership experience. He said she will play an important role as Hormel Foods continues to accelerate growth across its portfolio.
Returning executive logged 19 years at Hormel before joining Link Snacks
LaVallie returns from Link Snacks, where she was senior vice president of marketing, R&D and PMO. There she oversaw a multi-billion-dollar brand portfolio and led end-to-end commercialization efforts.
During her earlier 19-year career at Hormel Foods, she held leadership roles in brand management, long-range planning, innovation, new business development and general management. She played a key role in developing and growing the Deli Solutions business and led major refrigerated retail businesses.
LaVallie holds an MBA from the University of St. Thomas and a bachelor's degree in hospitality, restaurant and tourism management from the University of Wisconsin-Stout.