Foster Farms CEO to Step Down

Ron Foster announced on Oct. 9, that he will step down as president and chief executive officer of Foster Farms, the Modesto Bee reported. The poultry company founded by his grandparents 75 years ago.

Foster, 56, will remain an owner and board member with Foster Farms, which has a vast chicken processing plant next to its Livingston headquarters and a pair of turkey plants in Turlock.

The business grew 70 percent over the 11 years Foster was at the helm, according to a news release. He had to deal over the past year and a half with a salmonella outbreak tied to raw chicken from Livingston and two Fresno plants. Federal authorities said it sickened at least 634 people, but they noted that the company carried out extensive measures to reduce future risk.

“I have greatly enjoyed the past 11 years as your CEO,” Foster said in a letter to employees. “During this period, we have witnessed some of the most challenging and some of the most rewarding times in our company’s history. I am confident that Foster Farms is positioned to do great things.”

Foster will remain as president and CEO until the company completes the search for his successor, the release said. He was not available for comment Thursday

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