Cargill will appoint Brian Sikes as its president and chief executive officer on 1 January 2023.

The soon-to-be CEO, currently holding the chief operating officer title, has worked at Cargill for 31 years. 

Dave MacLennan, who has served as Cargill’s CEO since 2013, will assume the role of executive chair of the company’s board of directors.

MacLennan said: “As Cargill continues to navigate dynamic global markets, both operational excellence and a clearly articulated vision driven by purpose and values will define the company’s success, and there is no better person than Brian to lead Cargill”.

He continued: “He’s a person of action and results, with a relentless passion for serving our customers and our people. Brian has the qualities we value in a strong leader– integrity, empathy, resilience and authenticity. Under his leadership, I am confident the best days for Cargill, and its greatest contributions, lie ahead.”

Sikes added: “I am honoured to succeed MacLennan as Cargill’s president and CEO. Under his visionary leadership, Cargill has a solid foundation, business model and culture that positions us for long-term success.”

He commented: “Our 160,000 employees across Cargill are the best in the industry. Together, we will grow with customers, strengthen our core and thoughtfully target new markets to ensure we are a reliable, sustainable partner for our customers – today and in the future.”

MacLennan joined the company in 1991 and served in multiple executive roles, including CFO and COO, before becoming the company’s chairman and CEO in 2013. 

In his role as executive chair of the board, MacLennan will ensure a smooth leadership transition, serve as a trusted strategic advisor to Sikes and support Cargill’s long-term strategic plan.