Simmons Foods Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Simmons Foods has 8 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, administration, and specialized product manufacturing.

Committed to excellence in animal nutrition, Simmons Foods delivers high-quality poultry and pet food products while maintaining a focus on sustainable growth and long-term industry leadership across North American markets.

Leadership Roles at Simmons Foods

  • Chief Executive Officer - Todd Simmons
  • Chief Operating Officer - David Jackson
  • President - Derek Baucom
  • President (Pet Food) - Jacob Rogers
  • Co-President - Ted Dorn
  • President - Johnny Bullington
  • President - Joel Sappenfield
  • Chief Administrative Officer - Russell Tooley
  • Todd Simmons - Chief Executive Officer

    Todd Simmons, the Chief Executive Officer at Simmons Foods, directs the overarching corporate strategy and long-term vision for the organization. Overseeing the entire poultry and pet food manufacturing portfolio, the Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment between production capabilities and market demand. This leadership role involves constant evaluation of supply chain efficiencies and the expansion of nutritional product offerings. By fostering innovation within the manufacturing sector, Todd Simmons drives the company toward greater market share and operational excellence. The Chief Executive Officer maintains close collaboration with the Board to secure financial stability and growth. Through rigorous oversight of corporate governance, the Chief Executive Officer guarantees that all business units adhere to the highest standards of quality and safety. Simmons ultimately shapes the future trajectory of the enterprise by prioritizing sustainable practices and customer-centric solutions across all regional operations.
    Todd Simmons

    David Jackson - Chief Operating Officer

    David Jackson, the Chief Operating Officer at Simmons Foods, manages the daily execution of manufacturing processes and logistics across all facilities. Overseeing the complex supply chain for poultry and animal nutrition, the Chief Operating Officer optimizes production workflows to maximize output and minimize waste. This leadership role requires constant coordination with plant managers to ensure that operational targets meet corporate quality benchmarks. By implementing advanced manufacturing technologies, David Jackson improves efficiency and reduces overhead costs. The Chief Operating Officer monitors performance metrics to identify bottlenecks and initiates corrective actions to maintain consistent product flow. Through the integration of lean manufacturing principles, the Chief Operating Officer supports the broader mission of delivering reliable nutrition products to the market. Jackson ensures that operational capacity aligns with the strategic goals established by the executive team, thereby securing the company's competitive position in the food manufacturing industry.

    Derek Baucom - President

    Derek Baucom, the President at Simmons Foods, leads the strategic development and market expansion for the core poultry division. Overseeing the commercial relationships and sales initiatives, the President ensures that the company maintains strong partnerships with key retail and food service clients. This leadership role involves analyzing market trends to identify new opportunities for product placement and revenue growth. By directing the sales force, Derek Baucom drives the execution of high-impact commercial strategies that align with the company's manufacturing capabilities. The President works closely with the operations team to ensure that product availability meets the specific requirements of the customer base. Through the cultivation of long-term client relationships, the President secures a stable market presence for the poultry business. Baucom focuses on delivering consistent value to stakeholders by optimizing the commercial pipeline and enhancing the brand reputation within the competitive food manufacturing landscape.

    Jacob Rogers - President (Pet Food)

    Jacob Rogers, the President (Pet Food) at Simmons Foods, manages the specialized manufacturing and product development for the pet nutrition segment. Overseeing the research and development of high-quality pet food formulations, the President (Pet Food) ensures that all products meet rigorous nutritional standards and consumer expectations. This leadership role involves navigating the unique regulatory environment of the pet food industry while driving innovation in product design. By coordinating with the production teams, Jacob Rogers ensures that the manufacturing facilities maintain the capacity to meet the growing demand for premium pet nutrition. The President (Pet Food) monitors market shifts to adapt the product portfolio and maintain a competitive edge. Through the strategic management of the pet food division, the President (Pet Food) contributes significantly to the overall revenue growth of the company. Rogers focuses on building brand loyalty by delivering superior nutritional solutions to pet owners across the country.

    Ted Dorn - Co-President

    Ted Dorn, the Co-President at Simmons Foods, shares responsibility for the strategic direction and performance of the company's diverse business units. Overseeing the integration of cross-functional initiatives, the Co-President ensures that the poultry and nutrition divisions operate with synergy and shared purpose. This leadership role involves identifying opportunities for operational improvement and driving the implementation of new business processes. By collaborating with the executive team, Ted Dorn supports the execution of long-term growth strategies and market penetration efforts. The Co-President monitors the performance of key business segments to ensure that financial and operational targets are consistently achieved. Through the alignment of departmental goals, the Co-President facilitates a cohesive approach to market challenges and opportunities. Dorn focuses on enhancing the overall efficiency of the organization, ensuring that the company remains agile and responsive to the evolving needs of the food and animal nutrition industries.

    Johnny Bullington - President

    Johnny Bullington, the President at Simmons Foods, directs the strategic initiatives for the animal nutrition and feed manufacturing operations. Overseeing the procurement of raw materials and the production of high-quality feed products, the President ensures that the company meets the specific nutritional requirements of the agricultural sector. This leadership role involves managing the supply chain to ensure cost-effectiveness and product consistency. By analyzing the needs of livestock producers, Johnny Bullington drives the development of specialized feed solutions that improve animal health and productivity. The President collaborates with the operations team to optimize manufacturing processes and maintain high safety standards. Through the effective management of the animal nutrition division, the President supports the company's commitment to excellence in the food supply chain. Bullington focuses on expanding the market reach of the feed business by delivering reliable and innovative products to agricultural partners across the region.

    Joel Sappenfield - President

    Joel Sappenfield, the President at Simmons Foods, oversees the strategic growth and operational performance of the company's value-added poultry products. Managing the development of new product lines, the President ensures that the manufacturing capabilities align with the changing preferences of the food service and retail markets. This leadership role involves coordinating with the marketing and sales teams to launch successful product campaigns. By focusing on quality control and process innovation, Joel Sappenfield drives the production of premium poultry items that distinguish the company from competitors. The President monitors the financial performance of the value-added division to ensure that growth targets are met. Through the strategic oversight of product development and manufacturing, the President contributes to the overall success of the organization. Sappenfield maintains a focus on delivering high-value solutions to customers, thereby strengthening the company's position as a leader in the poultry manufacturing industry.

    Russell Tooley - Chief Administrative Officer

    Russell Tooley, the Chief Administrative Officer at Simmons Foods, governs the internal infrastructure and corporate support functions necessary for organizational success. Overseeing human resources, legal compliance, and information technology, the Chief Administrative Officer ensures that all departments operate within a unified framework. This leadership role involves streamlining administrative processes to enhance productivity and employee engagement. By managing corporate risk and regulatory adherence, Russell Tooley protects the integrity of the business operations. The Chief Administrative Officer collaborates with other C-suite leaders to implement policies that support the company's growth and cultural values. Through the development of robust internal systems, the Chief Administrative Officer facilitates seamless communication and resource allocation across the entire enterprise. Tooley maintains a focus on organizational health, ensuring that the administrative foundation remains strong enough to support the scaling needs of the poultry and pet food manufacturing divisions.

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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), along with executives such as David Jackson (Chief Operating Officer) and Derek Baucom (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), David Jackson (Chief Operating Officer), Derek Baucom (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Simmons Foods have?
    Simmons Foods has 8 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, Chief Operating Officer, President, President (Pet Food), Co-President.