Southfield, - As part of the company's drive to bolster sales and achieve a higher-margin product mix, Thorn Apple Valley, Inc. announced the hiring of two key marketing executives, John E. Murphy, who has been named the new Western Regional Vice President, and James Elie, the company's new Western Area Manager.
"We are privileged to count John and Jim among our executive ranks and look forward to their contributions," commented President and Chief Executive Officer Joel Dorfman. "Both are proven performers who bring with them a total of 54 years of success in the retail food industry, as well as an extensive network of customer contacts. Their broad networks, outstanding reputations and demonstrated leadership abilities should also promote more rapid sales staffing and training," he said, adding, "This concentration of top talent in the western United States also demonstrates our commitment to expanding our presence in the large and growing markets that constitute that region."
Murphy comes to Thorn Apple Valley following an impressive 26-year career at Campbell Soup Company. Most recently he was Director of National Accounts. Murphy's considerable accomplishments include having consistently grown volumes and profits across a broad range of product categories and brands. His proactive approach frequently entailed developing innovative programs to optimize each aspect of the sales cycle including procurement, product mix, marketing, distribution and customer service.
Elie brings to Thorn Apple Valley 28 years of experience in the retail meat industry, most recently as Vice President of the Meat & Seafood Divisions of Penn Traffic Corp. Prior to his tenure with Penn Traffic, he was Director of Meat & Seafood for Hagen/Top Foods. Elie's list of accomplishments also demonstrates a results- oriented work style and creative approach to problem solving.
Thorn Apple Valley's growth strategy includes shifting sales away from lower-margin commodity items in favor of higher-margin, premium processed and proprietary branded products. This strategic shift has required Thorn Apple Valley to augment its sales force.
Following a three-year, $180-million modernization program, Thorn Apple Valley has emerged as a leading meat processor with a low-cost infrastructure, an extensive product portfolio that includes five #1-selling national branded products, and an expanding international presence. The company is also one of the largest slaughterers of hogs and sellers of related fresh pork products in the United States. Thorn Apple Valley's common shares are traded on the Nasdaq National Market system under the symbol "TAVI."
This press release contains forward-looking statements with respect to the results of operations of Thorn Apple Valley, Inc. Management of the company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements made in this press release are based on reasonable assumptions. Certain developments could occur that might cause actual results to vary from the expectations reflected in this press release. These include changes in raw material supplies or prices, changes in economic conditions, changes in relationships with customers or suppliers and unforeseen loss contingencies.
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