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As group vice president of Hormel Foods and president of Hormel Foods International Corporation, Richard A. Bross oversees the company’s international division, which encompasses more than 50 countries outside of the United States.
During his 34-year career with Hormel Foods, Bross formed a licensing agreement with Chi-Chi’s Restaurants that led to the introduction of Chi-Chi’s® sauces in 1988 and Advertising Age’s Top Marketer award in 1993. He also led the development and introduction of Hormel® shelf-stable microwave meals as well as the strategic intent Introducing America to a World of Good Food for our ethnic food initiatives.
Bross joined the company in 1973 as a sales representative in Pittsburgh, Pa, followed by sales positions in Detroit and Grand Rapids, Mich. In 1979, he was named district sales manager in Ohio. He moved to corporate headquarters in Austin, Minn. as a product manager in 1982 and in 1984 was named a group product manager for new business development, Hormel® chili, and vending and convenience stores. From 1987 to 1994, Bross served first as director of marketing and then as general manager of the grocery products division. He was elected vice president of the grocery products division in 1995. In 1999, he was named president of Hormel Foods International Corporation, and in 2001, he was also advanced to group vice president of Hormel Foods.
Bross holds a bachelor of arts degree in economics from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, Pa. He is a graduate of three executive education programs: Strategy Analysis for Finance and Marketing at the Wharton School and the University of Minnesota’s Minnesota Management Institute and the Minnesota Executive Program at the Carlson School of Management.
He serves on a number of boards, including Beijing Hormel Foods Co. Ltd.; The Purefoods Hormel Company; Grupo Herdez Corporation; Hormel Foods International Corporation; Shanghai Hormel Foods Co. Ltd.; Okinawa Hormel Foods; Hormel Foods Australia Pty. Ltd.; and Hormel Alimentos, S.A. de C.V. He is a member of CIES International Committee of Food Retail Chains. Bross is also a member of the Austin Charter Commission, United Way of Mower County and St. Augustine’s Catholic Church. | 