“Robert was recommended by our nominating committee and we’re pleased to have him join us,” said Tyson Foods chairman John Tyson. “We believe his background will be of great benefit to our board and our company, given Tyson’s position as a leading supplier of high-quality protein to the foodservice industry.”
Thurber, 61, held various executive positions with Sysco from 1983 until he retired in 2007. As vice president of purchasing, he was responsible for more than $22 billion in purchases. He directed Sysco’s entry into the fresh produce business and helped increase the company’s fresh produce revenues from $14 million in 1983 to $3.5 billion in 2007. He also helped facilitate numerous acquisitions of distribution, specialty meat and produce distribution companies.
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