Beth Ford, a prominent figure in the business world, has made significant strides as the President and CEO of Land O'Lakes, a leading agribusiness and food company. Her leadership has been instrumental in driving the company's growth and innovation, while also promoting sustainability and diversity.
Early Life and Education
Beth Ford was born and raised in Iowa, where she developed a deep appreciation for agriculture and the rural way of life. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the University of North Dakota and later pursued a Master's in Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Career Journey
Ford's career spans over three decades, with a significant portion dedicated to the food and agribusiness industry. She began her career at Archer Daniels Midland, where she held various roles in finance and accounting. She then moved to PepsiCo, where she served as the Chief Financial Officer of the company's Quaker Foods division.
In 2011, Ford joined Land O'Lakes as the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. She was instrumental in the company's strategic initiatives, including the acquisition of the Kent Nutrition Group and the expansion of the company's international presence. In 2018, she was appointed as the President and CEO, becoming the first openly gay CEO of a Fortune 500 company.
Leadership at Land O'Lakes
Under Ford's leadership, Land O'Lakes has continued to grow and innovate. The company has invested in digital technologies and data analytics to improve farming practices and increase sustainability. Ford has also been a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion, both within the company and the broader agribusiness industry.
Ford has been recognized for her leadership and contributions to the industry. In 2020, she was named one of Fortune's Most Powerful Women in Business. She has also been recognized by the National Association of Corporate Directors and the Women's Foodservice Forum for her leadership and contributions to the industry.
Commitment to Sustainability
Ford is a strong advocate for sustainable farming practices and has implemented several initiatives at Land O'Lakes to reduce the company's environmental footprint. The company has set ambitious goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve water quality, and Ford has been instrumental in driving these efforts.
Ford has also been a vocal advocate for climate action and has called on other businesses and industries to take action to address climate change. She has been recognized for her leadership on sustainability issues, including by the Environmental Defense Fund and the World Wildlife Fund.
Industry Advocacy
Ford is a prominent voice in the agribusiness industry and has been involved in several industry organizations. She serves on the board of directors of the Grocery Manufacturers Association and the Food Marketing Institute. She is also a member of the Business Roundtable, a group of CEOs committed to promoting a strong U.S. economy.
Ford has been a strong advocate for policies that support the agribusiness industry and rural communities. She has testified before Congress on issues such as trade and immigration, and has been a vocal advocate for policies that support farmers and ranchers.
Personal Life
Ford is married to her wife, Cristi Ford, and they have two children. In her free time, she enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking and fishing. She is also a passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and has been recognized for her leadership in the LGBTQ+ community.
