Leland Tollett, interim president and chief executive officer of Tyson Foods, Inc. has named Archie Schaffer executive vice president, corporate affairs, a new position that is intended to enhance and expand the company's role in the business community. Mr Schaffer, who has been with the company 18 years, was previously senior vice president for external relations where he oversaw the company’s government, public and community relations efforts. He will continue to report to Tollett in his new job.

"I am pleased for the company that we can continue to benefit from the considerable talents Archie Schaffer has offered us over the past two decades," Mr Tollett said. "This new position will give us more depth in the corporate affairs arena, and better enable us to communicate with others in the world of business and those in government who regulate and influence our business."

Mr Schaffer joined Tyson in 1991 as director of media, public and governmental affairs. His roles and responsibilities grew and he became senior vice president for external relations in 1999.

Mr Tollett also announced that Sara Lilygren, Tyson's vice president, federal governmental relations in Washington, D.C., will move to company's headquarters in Springdale, Arkansas, to become senior vice president, external relations at the end of June. Ms Lilygren has run Tyson's lobbying efforts in Washington, D.C. for seven years. She will report to Mr Schaffer in this new role.

"Sara Lilygren will be a wonderful addition to our senior management team and we are glad to have her join us here in our Springdale headquarters," Mr Tollett said.