Lamb Weston Announces New CEOLamb Weston Announces New CEO

Lamb Weston Holdings has appointed Michael J. Smith, current chief operating officer of Lamb Weston, as president and chief executive officer and as a member of the company’s Board of Directors, effective January 3, 2025. Smith succeeds Thomas P. Werner, who is stepping down as CEO and as a member of the Board.

“I am honored to be appointed CEO and look forward to continuing to work alongside our talented team here at Lamb Weston," said Smith. "Together, we will work to deliver profitable growth and build on Lamb Weston’s position as a global leader in frozen potato products. I am excited about the opportunities ahead for our company and believe that our unwavering focus on customer satisfaction, operational excellence and continued innovation will enable us to enhance value for our shareholders. Importantly, I also want to extend my gratitude to Tom for his commitment, leadership, and passion for Lamb Weston and its employees.”

Smith moved to the chief operations officer position in May 2023. The company also had made other top position changes at the time. He joined Lamb Weston in 2007 and has served in increasingly senior leadership roles at the company.

“We are pleased to have Mike Smith lead Lamb Weston through the next phase of the company’s growth. Mike’s appointment represents the culmination of a thoughtful, years-long succession planning process by our Board, and we are confident he is the right leader to guide Lamb Weston forward," commented W.G. Jurgensen, Chairman of the Board of Lamb Weston. "Mike has developed a deep understanding of all critical aspects of our business and commercial operations. He will also bring a fresh perspective to the role along with a blend of strategic thinking and a laser focus on capturing current market and operational opportunities, as well as a deep appreciation for our employees, customers and partners. Together with the strong team we have at Lamb Weston, the Board is confident that the company is well-positioned to drive profitability and deliver value for our shareholders over the long-term.”

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For more than 70 years, Lamb Weston has been a leading supplier of frozen potato products to restaurants and retailers around the world.