MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA, U.S. — Brian Sikes has been named head of Cargill’s global protein and salt businesses. He succeeds Todd Hall, who is retiring after 36 years with the company.

Sikes began his career at Cargill in 1991, and most recently was a corporate vice-president helping to lead the transformation of the North American protein business. He also led the development of Cargill’s new North American protein headquarters in Wichita, Kansas, U.S. He earlier was managing director of Cargill Meats Europe and president of Cargill Value Added Meats.

“Cargill Protein and Salt has experienced strong growth for many years, and Todd has led some of Cargill’s largest and most successful acquisitions,” said David MacLennan, chairman and chief executive officer of Cargill. “We are confident Brian is the right leader to build on that success, and he has demonstrated an authentic leadership style, customer-first focus and an ability to drive change in his role as president of North American protein. Brian has also created inclusive and diverse teams, which is a top priority for Cargill.”

Cargill’s protein and salt businesses have more than 60,000 employees in 16 countries with operations in North America, Latin America, China and Southeast Asia.