Chicken producer Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation has appointed John Southerland as vice president of quality assurance for its prepared foods division.


Southerland, who was previously director of food safety and quality for Tyson Prepared Foods, has some 24 years experience in quality assurance, food safety, laboratory testing, auditing and management.


“John Southerland brings significant leadership experience in quality assurance to the Pilgrim’s Pride team,” said Pilgrim’s Pride president and chief executive officer O B Goolsby, Jr. “John’s expertise in the food industry will strengthen our industry-leading product quality and safety initiatives and enhance our customer relationships.”