Tyson Foods names Melanie Boulden chief growth officer

Tyson Foods appoints Melanie Boulden as executive vice-president, chief growth officer, effective February 6, 2023.

Boulden will report to president and CEO Donnie King and will be responsible for all aspects of global brand marketing to foster the growth of the company’s portfolio of brands and products. In this newly created role, Boulden will join the enterprise leadership team and oversee functions including consumer and corporate branding, innovation, R&D, communications, and consumer insights and analytics.

“Melanie is an exceptional talent and a proven leader in growing global household brand businesses. She has the creative, operational, and financial experience to drive value creation across Tyson Foods’ brand portfolio,” said King. “The introduction of the new chief growth officer role will allow Melanie to develop a world-class centre of excellence around brand marketing that will be critical as Tyson Foods continues to focus on future growth.”

Boulden brings more than two decades of food, packaged and consumer goods marketing experience having cultivated high-profile brands to drive growth and profitability. She most recently served as CMO of Coca-Cola North America, responsible for a multibillion-dollar portfolio consisting of more than 20 brands including Coca-Cola, Sprite, Smartwater and Minute Maid. Prior to becoming CMO, she was president of the still beverages business unit for Coca-Cola North America, leading the water, sports drinks, tea and coffee businesses and was president and general manager of Venturing and Emerging Brands. Boulden also served as global head of marketing and brand management at Reebok and has held marketing management roles at Crayola, Kraft Foods and Henkel Consumer Goods. She holds a B.S. in English from Iowa State University and an MBA with concentrations in marketing and finance from the University of Iowa. In addition, she serves on the board of directors of Adobe.

“As Tyson Foods continues on its strong growth trajectory as a global food leader, I am pleased to be in a role where I will help drive the long-term growth of the company’s broad portfolio of products and iconic brands,” said Boulden. “I look forward to becoming part of the outstanding leadership team in place at the company, joining a community of world-class team members, and delivering for its customers and consumers around the world.”