Sanderson Farms Honored as Corporate Champion of Diversity

Company Receives National Distinction for Balanced Corporate Governance Practices

LAUREL, Miss. (November 7, 2019) – Today, Sanderson Farms, Inc. was honored by the Women’s Forum of New York at its fifth Breakfast of Corporate Champions. The Forum, an exclusive global leadership network, hosts this biennial event to recognize companies that are actively advancing women on corporate boards. To qualify for invitation, companies must have measurably exceeded the national average of board seats held by women. Sanderson Farms continues to lead its Fortune 1000 peers by retaining 35 percent female board members, double the national average.

“We are delighted to salute companies and leaders by accelerating the advancement of women onto corporate boards and reaping the rewards,” said Carolyn Carter, President of Women’s Forum of New York. “By shining a light on their successes, we hope to inspire others and help achieve gender balance in the boardroom.”

Recognizing that gender balance in the boardroom contributes to company success, Sanderson Farms has demonstrated its commitment to achieving parity over the years. The company has been recognized by 2020 Women on Boards each year since 2011, when the national campaign first began tracking board diversity.

“Our female leadership has played a crucial role in our accomplishments as a company, and we couldn’t be prouder of their contributions,” said Joe F. Sanderson, President and CEO of Sanderson Farms. “We are grateful to the Women’s Forum of New York for recognizing our company’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity.”

Panelists and speakers for the event in New York City included Michele Buck, President and CEO of The Hershey Company; Hubert Joly, Chairman and CEO of Best Buy Company, Inc.; and Larry Merlo, President and CEO of CVS Health.

About Sanderson Farms

Sanderson Farms, Inc., founded in 1947, is engaged in the production, processing, marketing and distribution of fresh and frozen chicken and other prepared food items. Employing more than 17,000 employees in operations spanning five states and 17 different cities, Sanderson Farms is the third largest poultry producer in the United States. As a company, Sanderson Farms is committed to adopting a fresh approach in everything that we do, not only where products are concerned, but companywide, as well. Though the company has grown in size, it still adheres to the same hometown values of honesty, integrity and innovation that were established when the Sanderson family founded the company back in 1947.

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