Doug Sutton serves as Chief Manufacturing Officer at Smithfield Foods Inc., overseeing the company's extensive network of pork, beef, and prepared foods production facilities across North America. With more than 25 years of experience in food manufacturing and operations, Sutton began his career as a production engineer at a major Midwest meatpacking firm, rising through the ranks to senior leadership positions. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from Iowa State University and an MBA from the University of Iowa, which have equipped him with a strong foundation in process optimization and strategic management. Sutton's professional achievements include spearheading multimillion-dollar facility modernizations that boosted throughput by 30% while reducing energy consumption by 25% at previous employers. Notably, as Vice President of Manufacturing at a leading protein processor, he led the implementation of advanced automation and lean manufacturing systems, earning the company's Plant of the Year award multiple times and contributing to a 15% improvement in overall equipment effectiveness industry-wide. His expertise in supply chain resilience was particularly evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, where he managed uninterrupted production amid labor and logistics challenges. At Smithfield Foods, Sutton drives operational excellence, food safety, and sustainability initiatives across over 40 plants, supporting the company's position as the world's largest pork producer. Under his leadership, Smithfield has achieved record reductions in water usage and greenhouse gas emissions, while enhancing worker safety metrics to industry-leading levels. Sutton remains dedicated to innovation, fostering a culture of continuous improvement that aligns with Smithfield's commitment to quality, efficiency, and responsible protein production.