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ohn Randal Tyson, the former CFO of Tyson Foods and great-grandson of the company’s founder, John W. Tyson, will not be returning to his previous role at the company.
Tyson Foods suspended the heir following his mid-June arrest for driving while intoxicated. On Thursday, the family-owned poultry giant, where John Randal’s father, John H. Tyson, serves as chairman, announced that Curt Calaway, who had been serving as interim CFO, will assume the role permanently. John Randal Tyson will remain employed at the company but is currently on health-related leave. In conjunction with Calaway’s appointment, the 50-year-old received a salary increase to $675,000, with the potential to earn a cash bonus of $742,500 this year, and an additional $300,000, according to Tyson Foods’ communication to investors. The effective date for these changes was June 13, when the company appointed Calaway, an 18-year finance veteran, as interim CFO.
Tyson Foods Curt Calaway Appointed Permanent CFO Following Tyson’s Suspension
Calaway’s total potential compensation of $1.7 million is notably less than the estimated $2.9 million in compensation for former CFO John R. Tyson in 2023, who held dual roles as CFO and Chief Sustainability Officer.
The company has not responded to requests for additional information. John Randal had been considered a potential future CEO, but his tenure at the Springdale, Arkansas-based company has been turbulent since he joined in 2019.
Tyson began his career at the company as Chief Sustainability Officer and in 2022, at age 32, became the youngest CFO in the Fortune 500. However, just six weeks after his promotion, his career took a turn when he was arrested in a bizarre incident in Fayetteville, Arkansas, where he resides. Early one Sunday morning, Tyson was found asleep in a stranger’s bed wearing only orange boxer shorts. He was charged with trespassing and public intoxication, later pleading guilty and paying fines.
John Randal Tyson’s Future at a family-owned Company Remains Uncertain
Despite this incident, Tyson’s career at the family company continued, and he apologized to employees via email and addressed the incident during his first earnings call. However, less than two years later, Tyson was arrested again, this time for driving while intoxicated. The officer who conducted the June traffic stop reported that Tyson had misjudged a turn, driving onto a curb before returning to the road. The officer noted a strong odor of alcohol and observed that Tyson’s eyes were red and watery. Tyson was charged with DWI, improper turning, and careless driving.
Tyson explained to the University of Arkansas police officer that he had been celebrating with friends and family ahead of his sister’s wedding. Following his suspension, it remained uncertain whether the company would reinstate him. His father, John H. Tyson, has a history of overcoming drug and alcohol issues, which he has been open about, and his grandfather, Don Tyson, was known for his extravagant lifestyle.
Before his arrests, John Randal Tyson was regarded as competent and serious about his work. One individual familiar with John Randal, who requested anonymity, suggested that Tyson was given responsibilities before he was ready but has the potential to become a successful CEO once he matures. The source speculated that Tyson could eventually be reintroduced into a leadership role after spending time on the sidelines.
“At 32, there was talk that [John Randal] was too young for the role. He obviously made mistakes,” the source said. “There’s a good chance he’ll spend some time on the fringes, and then, after everything has blown over, he could make a comeback.”
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