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Smithfield Foods, Inc. announced today that Robert W. (Bo) Manly IV, executive vice president and chief synergy officer, has retired from the company effective Friday, January 30, 2015.
Manly has had a distinguished career over four decades in the pork, beef and livestock industries. After working for a variety of other companies, he came to Smithfield to serve as executive vice president of Smithfield Foods from 1986 through 1996. His roles also included the positions of president and chief operating officer of Smithfield Packing Co. from 1994 to 1995 and member of the Smithfield Board of Directors. Manly then served as president of Premium Standard Farms for 10 years, later rejoining Smithfield Foods as an executive vice president in 2006.
In 2008, Manly became the company's chief financial officer, and in 2013, Smithfield expanded his responsibilities by making him executive vice president and chief synergy officer. In this role, Manly has been responsible for maximizing synergies and leveraging opportunities between Smithfield, Shuanghui International, and its parent company, WH Group. Following this change last year, Ken Sullivan assumed the role of chief financial officer.
"I had genuine mixed feelings when Bo told me about his retirement plans," said C. Larry Pope, president and chief executive officer of Smithfield Foods. "Bo and I have been close friends for many years, and while I'm certainly happy for him as he embarks on this new phase of his life, I'm going to miss his counsel. Bo has been an integral part of our management team. He has held leadership positions in almost every area of the company and has made so many invaluable contributions to Smithfield's success."
Pope pointed out that Manly "has gained a well-deserved reputation in our industry as someone who always empowered and motivated people to do their very best in their jobs, and set their sights on achieving even lofty goals. Throughout his career, Bo has been at the forefront of introducing changes and innovations in our industry that have stood the test of time."
"On behalf of Bo's many friends and colleagues here at Smithfield, we wish him much happiness and good health in his retirement," Pope said.
February 2, 2015 - Smithfield
