Simmons Foods Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Simmons Foods has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, technology, administration, and multiple product divisions.

Driven by a commitment to quality, Simmons Foods is dedicated to supplying poultry, pet, and animal nutrition products, impacting markets through reliable and innovative solutions.

Leadership Roles at Simmons Foods

  • Chief Executive Officer & Co-Vice Chairman - Todd Simmons
  • Chief Operating Officer - David Jackson
  • President - Johnny Bullington
  • Co-President - Ted Dorn
  • President - Joel Sappenfield
  • President, Simmons Pet Food - Scott Salmon
  • President - Derrick Baucom
  • President - Robert Bras
  • Chief Technology Officer - Charles Morris
  • Chief Administrative Officer - Russell Tooley
  • Todd Simmons - Chief Executive Officer & Co-Vice Chairman

    Todd Simmons, the Chief Executive Officer & Co-Vice Chairman at Simmons Foods, directs the overarching corporate strategy and governance. Overseeing all major business units, Simmons ensures alignment with the company's mission to supply high-quality poultry, pet, and animal nutrition products. This leadership role involves guiding long-term growth initiatives and maintaining the company's strong market presence. By fostering innovation and operational excellence, Todd Simmons drives the company's expansion and commitment to industry leadership. The Co-Vice Chairman position involves significant input into board-level decisions and strategic partnerships, solidifying the company's financial health and market position across its diverse product lines.
    Todd Simmons

    David Jackson - Chief Operating Officer

    David Jackson, the Chief Operating Officer at Simmons Foods, executes the operational strategies that underpin the company's supply chain for poultry, pet, and animal nutrition products. Overseeing daily production and logistics, Jackson ensures efficiency and quality control across all manufacturing facilities. This critical role involves optimizing resource allocation and streamlining processes to meet market demand effectively. By managing the complex operational landscape, David Jackson directly contributes to the company's ability to deliver consistent, high-quality products. The Chief Operating Officer's focus extends to implementing best practices in manufacturing and supply chain management, reinforcing Simmons Foods' reputation for reliability and operational prowess.

    Johnny Bullington - President

    Johnny Bullington, the President at Simmons Foods, drives strategic initiatives across key operational segments of the company's poultry, pet, and animal nutrition businesses. Overseeing specific divisions, Bullington focuses on enhancing market performance and expanding product reach. This leadership position involves close collaboration with other executives to ensure cohesive business development and operational synergy. By leading targeted growth strategies, Johnny Bullington contributes significantly to Simmons Foods' overall market impact and revenue generation. The President's role emphasizes driving operational excellence and fostering innovation within their designated areas of responsibility, ensuring sustained success and competitive advantage.

    Ted Dorn - Co-President

    Ted Dorn, the Co-President at Simmons Foods, shares responsibility for guiding strategic direction and operational oversight across the company's diverse product lines, including poultry, pet, and animal nutrition. Working in tandem with other leadership, Dorn focuses on optimizing business unit performance and driving market penetration. This collaborative role ensures that strategic objectives are met with unified execution. By contributing to key decision-making processes, Ted Dorn supports the sustained growth and operational integrity of Simmons Foods. The Co-President's focus includes fostering cross-functional collaboration and implementing initiatives that enhance product quality and customer satisfaction across all business segments.

    Joel Sappenfield - President

    Joel Sappenfield, the President at Simmons Foods, directs significant operational and strategic functions within the company's core business areas, encompassing poultry, pet, and animal nutrition products. Overseeing specific market segments, Sappenfield is responsible for driving growth and ensuring the highest standards of product quality and delivery. This executive role involves close coordination with other divisional leaders to achieve unified corporate goals. By implementing targeted business strategies, Joel Sappenfield enhances Simmons Foods' competitive positioning and market share. The President's leadership focuses on operational efficiency, innovation in product development, and strengthening customer relationships across their assigned business units.

    Scott Salmon - President, Simmons Pet Food

    Scott Salmon, the President, Simmons Pet Food at Simmons Foods, leads the dedicated division focused on the development and supply of pet nutrition products. Overseeing all aspects of the pet food business, Salmon drives innovation, quality assurance, and market expansion within this specialized sector. This role is crucial for maintaining Simmons Foods' leadership in the pet nutrition market. By focusing on consumer needs and industry trends, Scott Salmon ensures the continued success and growth of the Simmons Pet Food brand. The President's responsibilities include managing product portfolios, optimizing manufacturing processes, and strengthening distribution channels to serve pet owners effectively.

    Derrick Baucom - President

    Derrick Baucom, the President at Simmons Foods, spearheads strategic leadership and operational management for key segments of the company's poultry, pet, and animal nutrition enterprises. Overseeing specific business units, Baucom is tasked with driving performance, fostering innovation, and ensuring market competitiveness. This executive position requires close alignment with overall corporate objectives to maximize growth and efficiency. By directing focused strategies, Derrick Baucom strengthens Simmons Foods' market presence and operational capabilities. The President's leadership emphasizes enhancing product offerings, optimizing supply chain logistics, and cultivating strong relationships with stakeholders across their areas of oversight.

    Robert Bras - President

    Robert Bras, the President at Simmons Foods, directs critical operational and strategic functions across the company's diverse portfolio, including poultry, pet, and animal nutrition products. Overseeing specific divisions, Bras is responsible for enhancing market performance, driving product innovation, and ensuring operational excellence. This leadership role involves close collaboration with other executives to achieve synergistic growth and maintain high standards. By implementing effective business strategies, Robert Bras contributes to Simmons Foods' sustained success and competitive advantage. The President's focus includes optimizing production capabilities, expanding market reach, and ensuring the consistent delivery of high-quality products to customers.

    Charles Morris - Chief Technology Officer

    Charles Morris, the Chief Technology Officer at Simmons Foods, architects the technological infrastructure supporting the company's diverse operations in poultry, pet, and animal nutrition. Overseeing all IT systems and digital transformation initiatives, Morris ensures that technology enhances production efficiency and product innovation. This role is pivotal in leveraging data analytics and advanced systems to drive business intelligence and operational improvements. By championing technological advancements, Charles Morris enables Simmons Foods to maintain a competitive edge in its respective markets. The Chief Technology Officer's responsibilities include cybersecurity, system integration, and exploring emerging technologies to support the company's long-term strategic objectives and product development.

    Russell Tooley - Chief Administrative Officer

    Russell Tooley, the Chief Administrative Officer at Simmons Foods, manages the essential administrative functions that support the company's extensive operations in poultry, pet, and animal nutrition. Overseeing human resources, legal affairs, and corporate compliance, Tooley ensures a robust framework for business operations. This position is key to maintaining organizational integrity and fostering a productive work environment across all divisions. By directing administrative strategies, Russell Tooley supports the seamless execution of Simmons Foods' business objectives. The Chief Administrative Officer's role encompasses developing policies, managing employee relations, and ensuring adherence to regulatory standards, thereby safeguarding the company's operational stability and corporate governance.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Simmons Foods Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Simmons Foods?
    Simmons Foods is led by Todd Simmons (Chief Executive Officer & Co-Vice Chairman), along with executives such as David Jackson (Chief Operating Officer) and Johnny Bullington (President).
    Who is part of Simmons Foods’s executive team?
    The executive team of Simmons Foods includes leaders such as Todd Simmons (Chief Executive Officer & Co-Vice Chairman), David Jackson (Chief Operating Officer), Johnny Bullington (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Simmons Foods have?
    Simmons Foods has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Simmons Foods’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Simmons Foods includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer & Co-Vice Chairman, Chief Operating Officer, President, Co-President, President.