Simmons Foods Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Simmons Foods has 8 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, administration, and market leadership.

Driven by a commitment to quality, Simmons Foods provides essential poultry, pet, and animal nutrition products, shaping the future of food supply chains through dedicated leadership and innovation.

Leadership Roles at Simmons Foods

  • Chief Executive Officer - Todd Simmons
  • Chief Operating Officer - David Jackson
  • President - Joel Sappenfield
  • President, Simmons Pet Food - Scott Salmon
  • President - Johnny Bullington
  • President - Derrick Baucom
  • Co-President - Ted Dorn
  • 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 vision for the company's diverse operations in poultry, pet food, and animal nutrition. Overseeing all major business units, Todd Simmons ensures alignment with market demands and long-term growth objectives. This leadership role involves guiding innovation in product development and operational efficiency across the Arkansas-based enterprise. By fostering a culture of excellence, Simmons drives the company's commitment to supplying high-quality products. The Chief Executive Officer's strategic decisions impact global supply chain management and market positioning, solidifying Simmons Foods' standing as a key industry supplier.
    Todd Simmons

    David Jackson - Chief Operating Officer

    David Jackson, the Chief Operating Officer at Simmons Foods, executes the day-to-day operational strategies that support the company's extensive production of poultry, pet, and animal nutrition products. Overseeing manufacturing, logistics, and supply chain functions, David Jackson ensures seamless integration across all operational facets. This critical role involves optimizing production processes to meet rigorous quality standards and market demands. By managing resource allocation and operational workflows, the Chief Operating Officer drives efficiency and cost-effectiveness throughout the enterprise. Jackson's leadership ensures the reliable delivery of Simmons Foods' diverse product lines, reinforcing the company's reputation for operational excellence and consistent supply.

    Joel Sappenfield - President

    Joel Sappenfield, the President at Simmons Foods, spearheads strategic initiatives and market development for key segments of the company's operations. Overseeing business unit performance and growth strategies, Joel Sappenfield drives the expansion of Simmons Foods' presence in the poultry, pet, and animal nutrition sectors. This leadership position involves fostering cross-functional collaboration to achieve ambitious market objectives. By identifying new opportunities and strengthening existing partnerships, Sappenfield enhances the company's competitive edge. The President's focus on market dynamics and customer needs ensures that Simmons Foods remains responsive and innovative in its product offerings and service delivery.

    Scott Salmon - President, Simmons Pet Food

    Scott Salmon, the President, Simmons Pet Food at Simmons Foods, directs the strategic vision and operational execution specifically for the pet food division. Overseeing all aspects of the pet food business, Scott Salmon ensures product innovation, quality, and market leadership in this specialized sector. This role involves managing product development pipelines, manufacturing processes, and market outreach tailored to the pet nutrition industry. By focusing on consumer needs and industry trends, Salmon drives the growth and success of Simmons Pet Food. The President, Simmons Pet Food's dedicated leadership ensures the division consistently delivers high-quality, nutritious products to pet owners.

    Johnny Bullington - President

    Johnny Bullington, the President at Simmons Foods, leads critical operational and strategic functions across designated business areas. Overseeing specific market segments and product lines, Johnny Bullington ensures the efficient execution of company objectives within the poultry, pet, and animal nutrition industries. This role involves driving performance improvements and fostering strategic partnerships to enhance market reach. By focusing on operational excellence and market responsiveness, Bullington contributes significantly to the company's overall success. The President's leadership ensures that key business units operate at peak efficiency and align with Simmons Foods' broader corporate goals.

    Derrick Baucom - President

    Derrick Baucom, the President at Simmons Foods, directs strategic growth and operational oversight for key divisions within the company. Overseeing specific market initiatives and business unit performance, Derrick Baucom ensures alignment with Simmons Foods' mission in poultry, pet, and animal nutrition. This leadership role involves identifying and capitalizing on market opportunities while maintaining rigorous quality standards. By driving operational efficiency and fostering innovation, Baucom strengthens the company's competitive position. The President's focus on strategic execution and market penetration contributes directly to the sustained success and expansion of Simmons Foods' product lines.

    Ted Dorn - Co-President

    Ted Dorn, the Co-President at Simmons Foods, collaborates on strategic leadership and operational management across the company's diverse portfolio. Overseeing shared responsibilities with other executive leaders, Ted Dorn contributes to the advancement of Simmons Foods' objectives in poultry, pet, and animal nutrition. This role involves driving key initiatives and ensuring cohesive execution of corporate strategies. By focusing on collaborative leadership and operational synergy, Dorn enhances the company's ability to innovate and meet market demands. The Co-President's involvement ensures a unified approach to achieving Simmons Foods' growth targets and maintaining its industry leadership.

    Russell Tooley - Chief Administrative Officer

    Russell Tooley, the Chief Administrative Officer at Simmons Foods, manages essential corporate functions that underpin the company's operational and strategic objectives. Overseeing human resources, legal affairs, and corporate governance, Russell Tooley ensures robust compliance and efficient internal operations. This position is vital for maintaining the organizational structure that supports Simmons Foods' extensive work in poultry, pet, and animal nutrition. By directing administrative policies and procedures, Tooley cultivates a productive work environment and safeguards the company's corporate integrity. The Chief Administrative Officer's oversight guarantees that administrative frameworks effectively support the company's mission and growth initiatives.

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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 Joel Sappenfield (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), Joel Sappenfield (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, Simmons Pet Food, President.