Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc. announced today the appointment of Michael J. Smith, the company’s current Chief Operating Officer, as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective January 3, 2025. Smith will also join the company’s Board of Directors. He will succeed Thomas P. Werner, who has decided to step down from his role as CEO and as a member of the Board. Werner will continue to serve in an advisory capacity until August 31, 2025, ensuring a smooth leadership transition.
Michael J. Smith has been with Lamb Weston since 2007 and has held a series of progressively senior leadership roles during his 17 years with the company. Throughout his tenure, Smith has played an instrumental role in driving significant growth across various facets of Lamb Weston’s operations. His leadership has been central to the company’s success and expanding global footprint.
W.G. Jurgensen, Chairman of the Board, expressed his confidence in Smith’s appointment, stating, “We are excited to have Mike Smith step into the role of CEO and lead Lamb Weston into its next phase of growth. His appointment is the result of a thorough, years-long succession planning process conducted by our Board, and we are confident he is the right leader to drive the company forward. Mike has gained a comprehensive understanding of every critical aspect of our business, and we believe he will bring fresh perspectives and a strategic mindset. He is also deeply committed to capturing both current operational opportunities and future market trends. His appreciation for our employees, customers, and partners further positions him to lead the company with a sharp focus on profitability and long-term shareholder value.”
Smith, for his part, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity and his commitment to the company’s future. “I am deeply honored to take on the role of CEO and excited to continue working alongside the talented team here at Lamb Weston. Our collective focus will be on delivering profitable growth and enhancing Lamb Weston’s leadership in the global frozen potato products market. I believe our emphasis on customer satisfaction, operational excellence, and continuous innovation will create value for our shareholders. I also want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Tom for his leadership and passion for Lamb Weston and its people over the years,” he said.
Jurgensen also took a moment to thank Tom Werner for his contributions to the company’s success. “On behalf of the entire Board, we want to express our sincere appreciation to Tom for his visionary leadership. Tom has played a pivotal role in shaping Lamb Weston into the successful independent public company it is today, following its spin-off from Conagra. Under his guidance, the company has significantly expanded its global presence, launched numerous successful products, and made substantial strides in talent development and organizational culture. Over the years, Lamb Weston has doubled its sales and EBITDA, with the stock price soaring by more than 150%. Tom leaves behind a strong company, and we wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”
In his statement, Werner reflected on his time at the helm of Lamb Weston and his belief in the company’s future. “It has been a privilege to lead Lamb Weston, and I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together. This company’s success is a direct result of the hard work and dedication of its employees, and I want to thank everyone who has contributed to our achievements. After thoughtful discussions with the Board, we all agreed that now is the right time to implement our succession plans and hand over the leadership reins to Mike. Having worked closely with Mike, I have witnessed firsthand his values-driven leadership and his deep understanding of the business. I am confident that under his stewardship, Lamb Weston will continue to thrive.”
The leadership transition marks a key moment for Lamb Weston as it prepares for continued growth and innovation in the global frozen potato product sector. Michael J. Smith’s extensive experience and leadership track record position him well to navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Lamb Weston Reports Second Quarter 2025 Results
In a separate release today, Lamb Weston also announced its financial results for the second quarter of fiscal 2025. The company highlighted solid growth and continued strong performance across key segments, setting the stage for a successful year ahead under Smith’s leadership.
As Lamb Weston embarks on this new chapter with Michael J. Smith at the helm, the company’s commitment to operational excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction remains at the core of its strategic objectives.
