Darling Ingredients Inc., the world's leading company turning food waste into sustainable products and producer of renewable energy, announces Melissa Gaither, vice president, investor relations, sustainability and global communications, will retire effective April 29 after more than 33 years of dedicated service. Suann Guthrie has been named to succeed Ms. Gaither, effective Jan. 31.
"On behalf of the board of directors, I would like to thank Melissa for her tireless dedication and many significant contributions to Darling over the years," said Randall C. Stuewe, chairman and chief executive officer, Darling Ingredients. "We can all be proud of the work Melissa has done. Her strong commitment to investors, employees and customers have been instrumental in growing Darling's visibility as an industry leader."
Ms. Gaither began her career at Darling as a commodity trader in 1989. She served in a number of leadership roles including, purchasing, investor relations, sustainability and global communications.
Reporting to Stuewe, Ms. Guthrie will be responsible for leading Darling's investor relations and communications strategy as well as overseeing the company's commitment to sustainability.
Ms. Guthrie brings more than 20 years of leadership across strategy development, media and investor relations, public and government affairs, corporate communications, crisis management and ESG. She joins Darling most recently as a communications executive from the tech industry. She began her career at BNSF Railway, which spanned several communications roles. She then spent eight years at ExxonMobil where she was head of global public and government affairs for unconventional oil and gas development.
"Suann knows our industry and brings the ideal blend of experience having held senior roles in the transportation and energy sectors," Stuewe said. "She brings a wealth of experience to Darling that is well suited to advance our sustainability vision and communicate our story of global growth in the years ahead."
