Hormel Foods Corporation CEO Jeffrey M. Ettinger will retire at the end of October, the company announced this week. Ettinger will continue to serve as Hormel’s chairman of the board.

According to the company, the board of directors has elected James P. Snee as the next CEO chief executive officer, effective Oct. 31. Snee currently serves as president and chief operating officer.

Ettinger served as chairman of the board, president and chief executive officer from November 2006 to October 2015, when Snee was appointed president and Ettinger became chairman of the board and CEO. Ettinger joined Hormel Foods in 1989 and has served in a variety of roles, including senior attorney, product manager for Hormel chili products and treasurer. In 1999, he was named president of Jennie-O Turkey Store — the largest subsidiary of Hormel.

“Jeff has expertly piloted the company to significant growth and success during his tenure, leading a talented management team in the delivery of strong and consistent returns to Hormel Foods shareholders,” says John L. Morrison, the board’s lead director. “Under his leadership, the company added to an outstanding portfolio of brands through numerous strategic acquisitions, most notably Wholly Guacamole, Skippy, Muscle Milk and most recently, the Applegate and Justin’s brands.”