Wendy Watkins

As vice president of corporate communications for Hormel Foods Corporation, a Fortune 500 global branded food company, Watkins is responsible for all global internal and external communications, global media relations, corporate responsibility and corporate reputation management. She serves as the company’s chief spokesperson and is responsible for Studio H — the company’s creative and culinary services internal creative agency. She also serves as director of the Hormel Foods Charitable Trust and leads the company’s charitable giving efforts.

Watkins joined the company as vice president of corporate communications in 2015 with more than 25 years of experience in global strategic communications, public affairs, marketing and corporate responsibility. Prior to joining Hormel Foods, Watkins spent 15 years as global vice president of corporate communications for Delaware North Companies, a global leader in hospitality and foodservice. She joined Delaware North after more than a decade in global corporate communications with the Marriott family of companies, which includes Host Marriott and Host Marriott Services.

She began her career in communications with the banking and real estate industry, with Empire of America’s real estate division.

Watkins has been active in the food and travel industry. She was part of the initial launch of First Lady Michelle Obama’s childhood obesity initiative and the Chefs Move to School program. She was also an advisor and staff representative to the Department of Commerce Travel and Tourism Advisory Board and US Travel CEO Roundtable. Watkins served two terms on the New York State Health Research Science Board, appointed by Governor Andrew Cuomo.

A breast cancer survivor, Watkins serves as president of the board of directors for the Cancer Nutrition Consortium and has been recognized for her work in breast cancer advocacy, including being honored by Art because/Find the Cause, breast cancer research foundation, as one of its annual advocacy honorees. She currently serves on its board of directors. She was named a Woman of Influence in 2011 by New York’s Business First. She is currently Chairperson of the Consumer Brands Association communications committee and a member of Arthur Page Society. She also sits on the board of directors for National Merit Scholarship, and participates in numerous other charitable and community organizations.

Watkins received her bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia.