---
schema_version: "secwatch.filing_event.v1"
accession: "0000048465-26-000047"
form_type: "8-K"
ticker: "HRL"
cik: "0000048465"
company_name: "HORMEL FOODS CORP /DE/"
filed_at: "2026-07-28T11:00:20+00:00"
generated_at: "2026-07-28T11:05:41.863072+00:00"
event_type: "leadership"
sentiment: "neutral"
materiality_score: 0.65
calibrated_materiality_score: 0.65
confidence: "high"
source: SEC EDGAR
---

# Hormel Foods appoints John F. Ghingo as President and CEO, effective Oct 26, 2026

## Summary
- John F. Ghingo, current President, named CEO effective Oct 26, 2026; Jeffrey M. Ettinger's interim CEO role ends Oct 25, 2026.
- Ghingo's annual base salary increased to $1.2M immediately, then to $1.28M as CEO; short-term target raised to 150% of base.
- Long-term incentive target set at $6.8M annually, split 50% cash, 25% stock options, 25% restricted stock units.
- Ghingo eligible for Executive Severance Plan with severance factor of 2x; personal aircraft use up to $150K incremental cost.
- Ghingo brings over 20 years CPG experience; previously CEO of Whisps Acquisition Corp and President of Applegate Farms.

## SEC filing metadata
- accession: 0000048465-26-000047
- form_type: 8-K
- ticker: HRL
- cik: 0000048465
- company_name: HORMEL FOODS CORP /DE/
- filed_at: 2026-07-28T11:00:20+00:00
- event_type: leadership
- sentiment: neutral
- materiality_score: 0.65
- calibrated_materiality_score: 0.65
- confidence: high
- sec_items: 5.02
- EDGAR index: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/48465/000004846526000047/0000048465-26-000047-index.htm
- EDGAR primary document: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/48465/000004846526000047/hrl-20260727.htm

## Machine-readable alternates
- HTML: https://secwatch.observer/filing/0000048465-26-000047
- JSON: https://secwatch.observer/filing/0000048465-26-000047.json
- Plain text: https://secwatch.observer/filing/0000048465-26-000047.txt

This AI-assisted summary is a reading aid. Review the linked SEC EDGAR filing before relying on any specific claim.