Clint Rivers will retire from his role as president and CEO of Wayne-Sanderson Farms at the end of the company’s fiscal year on March 31, 2025.
He will be succeeded by Kevin McDaniel, the company’s chief operating officer (COO), on April 1, 2025.
Rivers will continue to serve as executive chairman of the board for Wayne-Sanderson Farms for the upcoming 2026 fiscal year, the company announced in a press release.
About Clint Rivers
Rivers became chairman and CEO of Wayne-Sanderson Farms upon the completion of the merger between Wayne Farms and Sanderson Farms in 2022. Prior to the merger, Rivers was the CEO of Wayne Farms while Joe F. Sanderson Jr. was CEO of Sanderson Farms.
Rivers first joined Wayne Farms in 2012 as the vice president and general manager of the fresh business unit. He was promoted to COO in 2014 and again to president and CEO in 2017. He gained the additional responsibility as Wayne Farms chairman in 2018.
Prior to joining Wayne Farms, he worked as president of foodservice and supply chain with Perdue Farms. In addition to the six years he spent with Perdue Farms, he worked 21 years with Pilgrim’s Pride where he held positions of increasing responsibility including the positions of chief operating officer, and president and CEO. Rivers first began his career in the industry with Golden West Foods in Bedford, Virginia, as a microbiologist and quality assurance foreman. He holds a degree in animal science from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.
In addition to his leadership within those companies, Rivers served two consecutive terms as chairman of the National Chicken Council (NCC).
“I am deeply grateful for the incredible journey I have had with Wayne-Sanderson Farms, and it has been a privilege to work alongside such a talented and dedicated team. I am very proud of what we have accomplished together over the last 12 years,” said Rivers. “While I am retiring from my role as president and chief executive officer, I am excited to continue serving on the board of directors and supporting the company’s continued success.”
About Kevin McDaniel
The company aims for a seamless transition as McDaniel moves into the president and CEO role.
Kevin McDanielCourtesy Wayne-Sanderson Farms
McDaniel was named COO of Wayne Farms in early 2021 and retained that role with the combined company. Prior to becoming COO, he served Wayne Farms as senior director of fresh operations and as vice president and general manager of the fresh business unit, before being promoted to his current role.
With more than three decades of industry experience, he previously served as president of Aviagen North America, held senior roles with OK Foods and Pilgrim’s Pride Corp., and sits on the board of directors for the NCC and U.S. Poultry & Egg Association.
“Having worked closely with Kevin over the last several years, I am confident that he is the perfect choice to lead Wayne-Sanderson Farms into this next chapter. He brings a wealth of experience and vision to the role, and I look forward to supporting him through this transition,” said Rivers.
“I am honored that the board has selected me to succeed Clint as president and chief executive officer, and want to thank him for his years of outstanding service to Wayne-Sanderson Farms,” said McDaniel. “I am excited for the bright future ahead for our organization, as we strive to achieve our vision of being the amazing poultry company, recognized as the partner of choice by our customers, coworkers, farmers and communities.”
Wayne-Sanderson Farms is the third largest poultry producer in the United States, having processed 148.1 million pounds of ready-to-cook chicken on a weekly basis during the past year.
