Riceland Foods, a premier farmer-owned agricultural cooperative in the United States, and the foremost miller and marketer of rice, has announced a significant leadership transition. Kevin McGilton has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective immediately, by the Board of Directors. This strategic move signals Riceland Foods’ commitment to continued growth and reinforcing its position in the agricultural sector.
Kevin McGilton appointed as the new CEO of Riceland Foods, bringing extensive experience in the rice industry.
McGilton steps into this pivotal role with a rich history at Riceland Foods, having dedicated 20 years of his career to the cooperative. Prior to his appointment as CEO, he served as Vice President of Government Affairs and Chief of Staff, demonstrating his leadership capabilities and deep understanding of the industry. His extensive experience also includes serving as VP of Export Sales, where he cultivated global markets for Riceland rice. McGilton’s career trajectory began in 1995 with Louis Dreyfus in McGehee, Arkansas, and further includes a stint with USA Rice in Washington, D.C., underscoring his comprehensive background in the rice industry.
Rich Hillman, Vice Chairman of the Board, expressed strong confidence in the new CEO, stating, “We are immensely confident in Kevin’s ability to lead our cooperative during this transition, and the entire Board of Directors stands behind him in support of his new task.” This endorsement highlights the Board’s unified vision for Riceland Foods under McGilton’s leadership.
Roger Pohlner, Chairman of the Board, emphasized the cooperative’s values and future direction. “As a Board of Directors, we value every member of our team and member of our cooperative as the driving forces behind our success,” Pohlner stated. He further added, “We are committed to fostering an environment where every voice is heard and respected. The Board has considered the experiences of both Members and Employees and determined that a change in leadership is the right step to ensure Riceland’s legacy as the largest miller and marketer of rice will continue a trajectory of growth and value to its membership for years to come.” This statement underscores Riceland Foods’ dedication to its members and employees, alongside its strategic focus on sustained growth and value creation within the riceland foods network.
About Riceland Foods
Riceland Foods stands as the world’s largest miller and marketer of rice, serving a strong network of 5,500 farmer members across Arkansas and Missouri. As a farmer-led cooperative, riceland foods manages an impressive volume, storing, transporting, processing, and marketing over 2.5 million metric tons of grain annually. Riceland foods products reach consumers across the United States and extend to 75 countries globally, solidifying its international presence. Beyond rice, Riceland Foods is also a significant soybean processor in the Mid-South, diversifying its agricultural impact. The cooperative’s product portfolio includes a wide range of offerings, from white, brown, and parboiled rice to rice bran oil, soybean meal and oil, and various feed ingredients. For deeper insights into riceland foods and its operations, please visit Riceland.com.
