Hormel Foods Names Ash Bhumbla as Chief Financial Officer

Hormel Foods Corporation has appointed Ash Bhumbla as executive vice president and chief financial officer, effective September 8, the company announced. Bhumbla will oversee the company’s finance organization and join its senior leadership team, guiding financial strategy, capital allocation, and long-term growth objectives.

Appointment and Responsibilities

Bhumbla succeeds Paul Kuehneman, who has served as interim CFO since October 2025. Kuehneman will work closely with Bhumbla to ensure a smooth transition and will remain a key senior leader within the finance organization.

“Ash is a highly accomplished finance executive with a proven record of driving performance, leading transformation and creating long-term shareholder value,” said John Ghingo, president of Hormel Foods. Ghingo noted that Bhumbla’s broad experience across finance, operations, and strategy, combined with his expertise in consumer-focused, value-added protein businesses, provides a unique perspective on the company’s opportunities ahead.

Career Background

Bhumbla joins Hormel Foods from Tyson Foods, where he served as senior vice president and chief financial officer for the Chicken segment. In 2025, he concurrently held the role of CFO for Tyson’s International segment. During his tenure, he played a key leadership role in improving business performance through operational transformation, finance modernization, and strategic planning.

Previously, Bhumbla held senior finance and corporate development leadership roles at Perdue Farms and International Flavors & Fragrances. He began his career at the strategy consulting firm Marakon Associates. Bhumbla earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania and a Master of Business Administration from The Wharton School, where he graduated as a Palmer Scholar.

Transition and Kuehneman’s Role

Paul Kuehneman joined Hormel Foods in 1993 and has held various accountant and controller roles at facilities in Austin, Minnesota, and Rochelle, Illinois, as well as at the company’s headquarters. He became director of internal audit in 2009, was promoted to vice president and CFO for Jennie-O Turkey Store in 2016, and later served as assistant controller in November 2020 and controller in January 2022. Kuehneman holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Northwest Missouri State University and is a certified public accountant.

Ghingo praised Kuehneman as an exceptional steward of the business and a trusted advisor, expressing gratitude for his steady leadership during the transition and looking forward to his continued contributions.

Hormel Foods, based in Austin, Minnesota, is a Fortune 500 global branded food company with annual revenue exceeding $12 billion. Its portfolio includes PLANTERS and more than 30 other brands. The company is a member of the S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats.