Marfrig Alimentos S.A. has announced to its shareholders and the market in general that, after 38 years dedicated to the development of the poultry and pork industry in Brazil, five of them as head of the Poultry, Pork and Industrialized Products operations at the Marfrig Group in Brazil, Mayr Bonassi, CEO of Seara Alimentos, has announced that he will retire at the end of 2012.

In the meantime, Mr Bonassi will hand over the reins to his successor and serve as a member of the company’s Advisory Committee. He joined Marfrig Group to implement the poultry and pork business and led the integration of the companies and assets that now make up Seara, one of Brazil's largest food producers and exporters. During his tenure, Seara modernised and optimised its industrial facilities, improved and developed new and innovative product lines, besides gaining market share and international recognition.

David Alan Palfenier, who has been President of ConAgra Foods' Consumer Foods Snacks and International business since April 2010, will replace Mr Bonassi as the head of Seara as of this month, February 2012.

Mr Palfenier joined ConAgra in 2004 as senior vice president of marketing and subsequently was President of several business units, including Frozen Foods, Grocery Products, Refrigerated and Specialty Brands, and finally Snacks, covering brands and concept products in the United States and International. Before joining ConAgra Foods, he worked for 13 years at PepsiCo, including as President of the company's Brazil operations, following eight years at P&G. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration with major in marketing from the Eastern Washington University.

Marcos Antonio Molina dos Santos, CEO and Chairman of the Marfrig Group, commented: “With his talent and experience in processed and value-added products, David Palfenier will lead Seara to a new phase in its development strategy, grounded on sustainable growth in Brazil and international markets. He will continue the excellent job done by Mayr Bonassi and his team during the creation and structuring of Seara.”