Beth Ford: Difference between revisions
Created comprehensive article on Beth Ford, Land O'Lakes CEO and first openly gay female Fortune 500 CEO |
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{{Infobox person | {{Infobox person | ||
| name | | name = Beth Ford | ||
| image | | image = Beth_Ford.jpg | ||
| caption | | caption = Ford at Land O'Lakes headquarters, 2023 | ||
| birth_name | | birth_name = Beth E. Ford | ||
| birth_date | | birth_date = {{birth year and age|1964}} | ||
| birth_place | | birth_place = [[Sioux City, Iowa]], United States | ||
| nationality | | nationality = {{flag|United States}} American | ||
| citizenship | | citizenship = {{flag|United States}} | ||
| education | | education = [[Iowa State University]] (BBA)<br>[[Columbia Business School]] (MBA) | ||
| occupation | | alma_mater = [[Iowa State University]]<br>[[Columbia Business School]] (MBA) | ||
| years_active | | occupation = Business executive | ||
| employer | | years_active = 1986-present | ||
| title | | employer = [[Land O'Lakes]] | ||
| predecessor | | title = President and Chief Executive Officer | ||
| boards | | predecessor = Chris Policinski | ||
| spouse | | boards = [[BlackRock]], [[PACCAR]], [[Starbucks]] | ||
| children | | spouse = Jill Schurtz | ||
| residence | | children = 3 | ||
| networth | | residence = [[Minneapolis]], [[Minnesota]], United States | ||
| website | | networth = Undisclosed (private cooperative) | ||
| website = {{URL|landolakesinc.com}} | |||
}} | }} | ||
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At PepsiCo's Frito-Lay division, Ford developed expertise in food manufacturing and consumer products that would prove directly applicable to her later role at Land O'Lakes. Her time at PACCAR, one of the world's largest manufacturers of medium and heavy-duty trucks, further honed her skills in managing complex supply chains and working with industrial customers. | At PepsiCo's Frito-Lay division, Ford developed expertise in food manufacturing and consumer products that would prove directly applicable to her later role at Land O'Lakes. Her time at PACCAR, one of the world's largest manufacturers of medium and heavy-duty trucks, further honed her skills in managing complex supply chains and working with industrial customers. | ||
=== Land O'Lakes ( | === Land O'Lakes (2011-present) === | ||
Ford joined Land O'Lakes in 2011 as Chief Supply Chain and Operations Officer, tasked with modernizing the cooperative's logistics and manufacturing operations. Her initial focus on supply chain excellence quickly expanded as she demonstrated an ability to navigate the unique challenges of a farmer-owned cooperative. | Ford joined Land O'Lakes in 2011 as Chief Supply Chain and Operations Officer, tasked with modernizing the cooperative's logistics and manufacturing operations. Her initial focus on supply chain excellence quickly expanded as she demonstrated an ability to navigate the unique challenges of a farmer-owned cooperative. | ||
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==== CEO appointment and historic milestone ==== | ==== CEO appointment and historic milestone ==== | ||
On August 1, 2018, Land O'Lakes announced that Ford would succeed Chris Policinski as President and CEO, effective immediately. The announcement made Ford the first openly gay woman to lead a Fortune 500 company in the United States. Notably, the press release matter-of-factly stated: "Ford and her spouse, Jill Schurtz, have three teenage children and live in Minneapolis." There was no special announcement or separate acknowledgment of the historic nature of her | On August 1, 2018, Land O'Lakes announced that Ford would succeed Chris Policinski as President and CEO, effective immediately. The announcement made Ford the first openly gay woman to lead a Fortune 500 company in the United States. Notably, the press release matter-of-factly stated: "Ford and her spouse, Jill Schurtz, have three teenage children and live in Minneapolis." There was no special announcement or separate acknowledgment of the historic nature of her appointment - a reflection of Ford's long-standing approach of living authentically without making her identity the focus of attention. | ||
Speaking to [[CNN]] in 2018, Ford explained: "I decided to live an authentic life a long time ago. If my being named CEO helps others do the same, that's a wonderful moment." Ford had been out her entire professional life, never hiding her identity as she rose through the corporate ranks. | Speaking to [[CNN]] in 2018, Ford explained: "I decided to live an authentic life a long time ago. If my being named CEO helps others do the same, that's a wonderful moment." Ford had been out her entire professional life, never hiding her identity as she rose through the corporate ranks. | ||
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=== Native American logo removal === | === Native American logo removal === | ||
In April 2020, Land O'Lakes unveiled redesigned packaging that removed the image of "Mia," a Native American woman who had appeared on the company's butter packaging since 1928. The change drew both praise and | In April 2020, Land O'Lakes unveiled redesigned packaging that removed the image of "Mia," a Native American woman who had appeared on the company's butter packaging since 1928. The change drew both praise and criticism - some applauded the move as long overdue removal of a stereotypical image, while others lamented the loss of what they saw as a beloved brand mascot. | ||
Ford has pushed back against the narrative that the change was made in response to external pressure or the Black Lives Matter movement, noting that the redesign process began before those events. "We don't want folks to misunderstand that someone was pressuring us," Ford stated. "The key component was, 'How do we put our farmer-owners at the heart of the brand?'" The new packaging features images of actual farmer-members who own the cooperative. | Ford has pushed back against the narrative that the change was made in response to external pressure or the Black Lives Matter movement, noting that the redesign process began before those events. "We don't want folks to misunderstand that someone was pressuring us," Ford stated. "The key component was, 'How do we put our farmer-owners at the heart of the brand?'" The new packaging features images of actual farmer-members who own the cooperative. | ||
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Land O'Lakes has faced criticism for its involvement in price-fixing settlements totaling $297 million in the dairy and poultry sectors. Critics argue that such practices contradict the cooperative's stated mission of supporting farmers. The company's consolidation strategy has drawn scrutiny from those who contend it operates more like a traditional corporation than a cooperative serving small-scale producers. | Land O'Lakes has faced criticism for its involvement in price-fixing settlements totaling $297 million in the dairy and poultry sectors. Critics argue that such practices contradict the cooperative's stated mission of supporting farmers. The company's consolidation strategy has drawn scrutiny from those who contend it operates more like a traditional corporation than a cooperative serving small-scale producers. | ||
Ford's brief tenure on BlackRock's | Ford's brief tenure on BlackRock's board - an investment firm with significant holdings in farmland - further complicated narratives around Land O'Lakes' commitment to farmer welfare, though she subsequently left that position. | ||
=== Immigration advocacy === | === Immigration advocacy === | ||
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As chair of the Business Roundtable's immigration committee, Ford has been unusually outspoken on immigration reform at a time when many corporate leaders avoid the politically charged topic. She has testified before Congress about the agricultural industry's dependence on immigrant labor, particularly in dairy operations where the work is year-round and cannot be easily filled by seasonal workers. | As chair of the Business Roundtable's immigration committee, Ford has been unusually outspoken on immigration reform at a time when many corporate leaders avoid the politically charged topic. She has testified before Congress about the agricultural industry's dependence on immigrant labor, particularly in dairy operations where the work is year-round and cannot be easily filled by seasonal workers. | ||
Ford has warned that immigration enforcement actions could devastate the food supply, noting that if a dairy farm is raided by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), it can become a crisis within eight | Ford has warned that immigration enforcement actions could devastate the food supply, noting that if a dairy farm is raided by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), it can become a crisis within eight hours - when cows need to be milked again. Her willingness to address immigration policy has made her a polarizing figure among those who believe corporations should stay out of political debates. | ||
=== Farm economy warnings === | === Farm economy warnings === | ||
In editorials and public statements, Ford has sounded alarms about the state of the farm economy, noting that less than five percent of farms were projected to be profitable in | In editorials and public statements, Ford has sounded alarms about the state of the farm economy, noting that less than five percent of farms were projected to be profitable in 2023 - a scenario that had persisted for three consecutive years. She has pointed out that nearly 90 percent of farm families need off-farm income to keep their operations viable, calling the situation unsustainable for American agriculture. | ||
== Publications and speeches == | == Publications and speeches == | ||
Latest revision as of 07:48, 22 December 2025
Beth E. Ford (born 1964) is an American business executive who has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Land O'Lakes, a Fortune 250 farmer-owned agricultural cooperative, since August 2018. Ford made history as the first openly gay woman to lead a Fortune 500 company, a distinction that garnered significant media attention upon her appointment.
With a career spanning six industries at seven companies before joining Land O'Lakes, Ford brought a unique perspective to the century-old cooperative. Under her leadership, the company has navigated significant challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain disruptions, and ongoing debates about the future of American agriculture. She has emerged as a prominent voice on issues ranging from immigration reform to rural connectivity, frequently testifying before Congress and engaging with policymakers on matters affecting farmers and food production.
Early life and family background
Beth Ford was born in 1964 in Sioux City, Iowa, the fifth of eight children in a working-class Catholic family. Her father worked as a truck driver and used car salesman, while her mother, after raising eight children, returned to school to complete a master's degree and became a psychologist. Ford's mother had been placed in an orphanage at age five by her parents and was adopted at age ten, an experience that profoundly shaped her approach to life and, subsequently, her daughter's worldview.
Growing up in a large family with limited resources taught Ford lessons about resourcefulness and the importance of speaking up. She attended Catholic schools through high school, where the emphasis on education and service to others left a lasting impression. Ford has frequently cited her mother as the most significant role model in her life, noting how she managed to raise eight children while eventually pursuing her own career ambitions later in life.
"My mother has been the most significant role model to me in my life," Ford has stated in numerous interviews, describing how watching her mother balance family obligations with professional aspirations demonstrated that women could succeed in both realms.
Education
Ford earned her Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) from the College of Business at Iowa State University, returning to her home state for her undergraduate education. The practical, agriculture-focused curriculum at Iowa State would later prove valuable when she joined Land O'Lakes decades later.
She subsequently completed her Master of Business Administration (MBA) at Columbia Business School at Columbia University in New York City. The Ivy League business education provided Ford with the theoretical grounding and professional network that would support her rise through multiple industries.
Career
Early career at Mobil Oil
Ford's corporate career began in June 1986 when she joined Mobil Oil (later merged with Exxon to form ExxonMobil). She spent nearly a decade at the energy giant, holding various positions that exposed her to the complexities of managing large-scale operations in a global corporation. Ford departed Mobil in January 1996, having laid the groundwork for a career characterized by operational excellence and willingness to tackle difficult challenges.
Journey through six industries
Following Mobil, Ford's career took her through an unusually diverse set of industries. She held positions at Perseco, PepsiCo, Scholastic, Hachette Book Group, International Flavors and Fragrances (IFF), and PACCAR. This varied experience gave her exposure to everything from consumer goods and publishing to specialty chemicals and heavy manufacturing.
At PepsiCo's Frito-Lay division, Ford developed expertise in food manufacturing and consumer products that would prove directly applicable to her later role at Land O'Lakes. Her time at PACCAR, one of the world's largest manufacturers of medium and heavy-duty trucks, further honed her skills in managing complex supply chains and working with industrial customers.
Land O'Lakes (2011-present)
Ford joined Land O'Lakes in 2011 as Chief Supply Chain and Operations Officer, tasked with modernizing the cooperative's logistics and manufacturing operations. Her initial focus on supply chain excellence quickly expanded as she demonstrated an ability to navigate the unique challenges of a farmer-owned cooperative.
She was subsequently promoted to Chief Operating Officer, overseeing day-to-day operations across the company's diverse portfolio of dairy, animal nutrition, crop inputs, and data analytics businesses. In this role, Ford gained deep familiarity with the farmer-members who own the cooperative and whose livelihoods depend on its success.
CEO appointment and historic milestone
On August 1, 2018, Land O'Lakes announced that Ford would succeed Chris Policinski as President and CEO, effective immediately. The announcement made Ford the first openly gay woman to lead a Fortune 500 company in the United States. Notably, the press release matter-of-factly stated: "Ford and her spouse, Jill Schurtz, have three teenage children and live in Minneapolis." There was no special announcement or separate acknowledgment of the historic nature of her appointment - a reflection of Ford's long-standing approach of living authentically without making her identity the focus of attention.
Speaking to CNN in 2018, Ford explained: "I decided to live an authentic life a long time ago. If my being named CEO helps others do the same, that's a wonderful moment." Ford had been out her entire professional life, never hiding her identity as she rose through the corporate ranks.
Leadership during pandemic and beyond
Ford's tenure has been marked by significant challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic stress-tested food supply chains and Land O'Lakes' ability to continue serving both farmer-members and consumers. Under her leadership, the company adapted operations to maintain food production while protecting employee health.
She has championed digital agriculture initiatives, investing in data analytics and precision farming technologies to help farmer-members improve yields and reduce costs. The company's WinField United division has become a leader in digital agronomy tools that help farmers make data-driven decisions about planting, fertilizing, and harvesting.
Ford has also been outspoken about the challenges facing rural America, advocating for improved broadband connectivity, immigration reform to address agricultural labor shortages, and policies that support farm profitability.
Awards and recognition
Ford's leadership has been widely recognized:
- Named to Time 100, Time magazine's list of the 100 most influential people in the world
- Featured in "Titans" category of Time100 Most Influential Companies
- Ranked 12th on Fortune's Most Powerful Women list (2025)
- Named to Fortune's 100 Most Powerful People in Business (2024, 2025)
- Chair of the Immigration Committee for the Business Roundtable
- Member of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis Board of Directors
She serves on the boards of directors of BlackRock, PACCAR, and Starbucks, and is involved with the Business Roundtable, US Global Leadership Coalition, Columbia University Deming Center, and Iowa State University College of Business.
Personal life
Ford is married to Jill Schurtz, a businesswoman who serves as CEO of the St. Paul Teachers' Retirement Fund Association. Originally from Peoria, Illinois, Schurtz and Ford have been together for over 26 years. The couple decided to make Minneapolis their permanent home when Ford accepted her first position at Land O'Lakes.
Ford and Schurtz have three children: twin boys and a daughter. The family resides in Minneapolis, where they have built their life amid the agricultural heartland that Ford's company serves.
Ford has been open about the challenges of balancing a demanding executive career with family life. She credits her spouse with being a true partner in managing household responsibilities and supporting her career ambitions.
Controversies
Native American logo removal
In April 2020, Land O'Lakes unveiled redesigned packaging that removed the image of "Mia," a Native American woman who had appeared on the company's butter packaging since 1928. The change drew both praise and criticism - some applauded the move as long overdue removal of a stereotypical image, while others lamented the loss of what they saw as a beloved brand mascot.
Ford has pushed back against the narrative that the change was made in response to external pressure or the Black Lives Matter movement, noting that the redesign process began before those events. "We don't want folks to misunderstand that someone was pressuring us," Ford stated. "The key component was, 'How do we put our farmer-owners at the heart of the brand?'" The new packaging features images of actual farmer-members who own the cooperative.
Price-fixing settlement controversy
Land O'Lakes has faced criticism for its involvement in price-fixing settlements totaling $297 million in the dairy and poultry sectors. Critics argue that such practices contradict the cooperative's stated mission of supporting farmers. The company's consolidation strategy has drawn scrutiny from those who contend it operates more like a traditional corporation than a cooperative serving small-scale producers.
Ford's brief tenure on BlackRock's board - an investment firm with significant holdings in farmland - further complicated narratives around Land O'Lakes' commitment to farmer welfare, though she subsequently left that position.
Immigration advocacy
As chair of the Business Roundtable's immigration committee, Ford has been unusually outspoken on immigration reform at a time when many corporate leaders avoid the politically charged topic. She has testified before Congress about the agricultural industry's dependence on immigrant labor, particularly in dairy operations where the work is year-round and cannot be easily filled by seasonal workers.
Ford has warned that immigration enforcement actions could devastate the food supply, noting that if a dairy farm is raided by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), it can become a crisis within eight hours - when cows need to be milked again. Her willingness to address immigration policy has made her a polarizing figure among those who believe corporations should stay out of political debates.
Farm economy warnings
In editorials and public statements, Ford has sounded alarms about the state of the farm economy, noting that less than five percent of farms were projected to be profitable in 2023 - a scenario that had persisted for three consecutive years. She has pointed out that nearly 90 percent of farm families need off-farm income to keep their operations viable, calling the situation unsustainable for American agriculture.
Publications and speeches
Ford has contributed opinion pieces to publications including Time, where she has written about challenges facing rural America and the agricultural sector. She is a frequent speaker at industry conferences, business forums, and policy events, addressing topics from supply chain resilience to diversity in corporate leadership.
See also
References
- Chief executive officers
- 1964 births
- Living people
- American women chief executives
- Iowa State University alumni
- Columbia Business School alumni
- LGBT businesspeople from the United States
- American lesbian businesspeople
- People from Sioux City, Iowa
- People from Minneapolis
- American chief executives of food industry companies