BETH FORD serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of Land O’Lakes, Inc. (“Land O’ Lakes”), a Fortune 200 food production and agribusiness company that is also a century-old farmer-owned cooperative. Land O’ Lakes operates Land O’Lakes Dairy Foods, Purina Animal Nutrition, WinField United, and Truterra, and has a presence in more than 60 countries. Ms. Ford joined Land O’ Lakes in 2011 and held a variety of roles across all businesses before becoming chief executive officer in 2018. She is a passionate advocate on behalf of farmers and rural America with the goal of connecting people, particularly in urban areas, to the farmers and rural communities who grow their food. In addition, she is the convener of The American Connection Project to help bridge the digital divide. Ms. Ford’s career of over 35 years spans six industries at seven companies. She was inducted into the Supply Chain Hall of Fame by the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) in 2022.
Ms. Ford has extensive leadership experience in food and agribusiness, as well as over 35 years in supply chain operations across multiple industries. As the chief executive officer of a farmer-owned cooperative, she knows the challenges that small and large farmers face, including the challenges related to climate change. Ms. Ford also brings experience in operating multiple consumer-facing brands and managing a complex, multinational enterprise. Through her prior service on the boards of other publicly traded companies, Ms. Ford is able to leverage her valuable knowledge and provide particular insight into corporate governance and responsible business considerations. As a member of the board
of directors of the Business Roundtable, she has well-developed acumen in a wide variety of public policy issues linked to business and the economy.
Committee(s):
- Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee (chair)