Don Monk

As chief technology officer at Hormel Foods, Don Monk is the company’s senior-most technology leader, responsible for envisioning, aligning and delivering the enterprise technology, digital and data strategy that supports long‑term growth.

Hormel Foods Corporation, based in Austin, Minnesota, is a global branded food company with over $12 billion in annual revenue. Its brands include PLANTERS^®, SKIPPY^®, SPAM^®, HORMEL^® NATURAL CHOICE^®, APPLEGATE^®, WHOLLY^®, HORMEL^® BLACK LABEL^®, COLUMBUS^®, JENNIE-O^® and more than 30 other beloved brands. The Company is a member of the S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats, was named one of the best companies to work for by U.S. News & World Report and one of America’s most responsible companies by Newsweek, was recognized by TIME magazine as one of the World’s Best Companies and has received numerous other awards and accolades for its corporate responsibility and community service efforts.

Monk spent 33 years at General Mills, ultimately serving as chief information officer, where he led global technology strategy, delivery and operations across the company’s international footprint. He later joined Cargill, most recently serving as senior vice president of strategy, governance and transformation for the company’s digital technology and data organization. In that role, he guided global strategy and transformation efforts across all aspects of the digital and data function, including people, process, analytics and AI, finance and technology governance.

Throughout his career, Monk has led major enterprise transformations, built high‑performing global teams and implemented modern technology platforms that strengthen operational performance and accelerate growth.

Monk holds a Master of Science in software engineering from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities and a Bachelor of Science in computer science from Minnesota State University, Mankato.