SILOAM SPRINGS, Ark. — Recently, Cobb-Vantress named Duane Weems its new vice president of live production, North America. This appointment reinforces the company’s commitment to advancing innovation, operational excellence, and sustainable growth for customers around the world, the company said in the announcement.
Weems takes over the position from Ray Ables, the previous VP of live production, who plans to retire after dedicating more than 35 years of his life to the poultry industry.
“Ray’s leadership and contributions have played an important role in strengthening our North America operations and advancing our mission,” Shelby Watkins, Cobb president, said. “As we build on that foundation, Duane brings the operational expertise, strategic perspective, and leadership experience needed to help us continue driving progress across our live production network.”
Weems brings more than 30 years of poultry experience spanning broiler, breeder, hatchery, and live production operations, the company stated.
Throughout his career, Weems has dealt with various business situations, including leading complex multi-site organizations, integrating acquired facilities, developing high-performing teams, and successfully starting new operations from the ground up.
“Our industry continues to evolve, and so does Cobb. Duane’s experience leading large-scale operations and developing strong teams will help position us for continued growth as we work to create value for our customers,” Watkins added.
This leadership transition reflects Cobb’s ongoing investment in the future of its business and the customers it serves, helping ensure Cobb remains well-positioned to meet the opportunities of tomorrow, the company noted.
Weem’s appointment is one of the few leadership transitions that Cobb has made recently. A few days prior to this announcement, Cobb announced that Will Sawyer, current vice president of global business operations, will assume responsibility for Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) and Asia Pacific (APAC) in a newly expanded role.
To support this new leadership structure, Dominic Smith will become general manager of EMEA, and Youngho Hong will become general manager of APAC, Cobb added.
For more information, visit www.cobbgenetics.com.
