Cobb-Vantress Expands Leadership Team with Strategic Appointments

Cobb-Vantress, LLC, a global leader in poultry genetics, proudly announces the addition of three esteemed executives to its leadership team. These strategic appointments reflect Cobb’s unwavering dedication to innovation, operational excellence, and sustainable global expansion.

New Leadership Roles

Will Sawyer: Vice President of Global Business Operations and Strategy

Will Sawyer has been promoted to Vice President of Global Business Operations and Strategy. Since joining Cobb in December 2024 as Managing Director of Global Supply Chain and Strategy, Will has played a crucial role in advancing various key initiatives within the organization. In his new position, he will oversee global planning, marketing, communications, and IT, ensuring alignment and innovation across these vital business functions.

With deep industry expertise, Will has held senior leadership positions at Tyson Foods, including Senior Director of Strategy for the Poultry Segment. His previous roles encompass lead industry analyst for Animal Protein at CoBank and leadership positions at Rabobank. Will’s career commenced as a Research Analyst at Credit Suisse, where he built a strong foundation in financial and strategic analysis.

Dr. Matilde Alfonso: Vice President of Sales and Technical Services

Joining Cobb in the role of Vice President of Sales and Technical Services, Dr. Matilde Alfonso brings over 25 years of strategic and technical leadership in the poultry sector. Most recently, she was Manager of Veterinary Technical Services at Ceva Animal Health, LLC. Her previous experience includes pivotal leadership roles at Tyson Foods, notably as Director of Breeder & Hatchery Operations. Matilde’s operational knowledge and international perspective will be essential in guiding Cobb’s sales, technical services, quality assurance, and veterinary functions.

Leandro Farias: Managing Director of Finance and Accounting

As Chris Lewellen, the current Vice President of Finance & Accounting, prepares for retirement after a remarkable 27-year career, Leandro Farias will step into the role of Managing Director of Finance and Accounting. Bringing more than 20 years of experience across the chemicals, automotive, food, and poultry genetics sectors, Leandro joined Tyson in 2009 and made the transition to Cobb-Vantress Brazil in 2015. Since 2019, he has served as the Director of Finance for operations in Brazil, Peru, and Colombia.

Official Statements

“I am excited to announce Will and Leandro’s new roles, and also welcome Matilde to our leadership team,” stated Shelby Watkins, President of Cobb. “Their combined experience and strategic vision will be crucial as we continue to scale our operations globally and provide outstanding value to our customers and partners worldwide.”

About Cobb-Vantress

Cobb-Vantress, LLC is recognized as the world’s longest-established pedigree broiler breeding company and is a leader in poultry genetics. Headquartered in Siloam Springs, Arkansas, Cobb is committed to advancing the science of poultry breeding to provide healthy, affordable, and sustainable protein. Our innovative genetic solutions empower producers in over 100 countries to meet the ever-growing demand with efficiency and confidence. To learn more, visit cobbgenetics.com.