Cal-Maine Foods Welcomes Keira Lombardo as Chief Strategy Officer
Cal-Maine Foods, the largest producer and marketer of shell eggs in the United States, has made a significant leadership move by appointing Keira Lombardo as its first Chief Strategy Officer. In her new position, Lombardo will guide the company’s long-term vision, aligning growth strategies in the evolving poultry and egg market.
A Vision for Growth
Jim Eadie (Poultry Producer): What excites you most about becoming Cal-Maine’s first Chief Strategy Officer?
A: Keira Lombardo
I am thrilled about the opportunity to shape Cal-Maine’s future as a modern food company. As a leader in the egg-based food sector, we already provide one of the most affordable and nutrient-dense proteins to millions of households. I am eager to build on this foundation by collaborating with our leadership team and our dedicated family members. Together, we can leverage our scale and vertical integration to drive innovation in specialty and prepared foods while sharpening our consumer focus.
Identifying Opportunities in the Marketplace
Jim Eadie (Poultry Producer): Where do you see the biggest opportunities to create impact for Cal-Maine and the poultry industry?
A: Keira Lombardo
Eggs are perfectly aligned with today’s health and wellness trends; they are nutrient-dense, protein-rich, and versatile—making them an affordable option. The growth opportunities for Cal-Maine are clear. First, we will continue expanding our specialty egg offerings to meet changing consumer preferences. Second, we will accelerate our value-added and prepared food segments to provide protein-rich solutions for modern lifestyles. These efforts will enhance our brand relevance and resilience, enabling Cal-Maine to shift from category leadership to consumer leadership.
Past Experiences Shaping Future Strategies
Jim Eadie (Poultry Producer): How will your past experiences shape your approach in this new role?
A: Keira Lombardo
My career has centered around leading transformations within food and agriculture, moving organizations from commodity-focused to consumer-driven models. At Cal-Maine, I will continue this collaborative approach by aligning strategies across teams and empowering individuals to achieve our shared vision. This will not just be about maintaining our status as the largest producer, but also about developing meaningful, trusted choices for consumers.
Sustainability and Animal Welfare Initiatives
Jim Eadie (Poultry Producer): Sustainability and animal welfare are top priorities in poultry—how do you see strategy connecting to these areas?
A: Keira Lombardo
Sustainability involves innovating processes and enhancing efficiency throughout our value chain. Companies that thrive are those that embed innovation into their DNA and continually improve their operations. At Cal-Maine, we will embed this philosophy into our daily practices, using our scale to produce nutrient-dense protein responsibly. Our initiatives will reinforce animal welfare, bolster environmental stewardship, and ensure that we continue providing affordable, nutritious protein.
Goals for the First Year
Jim Eadie (Poultry Producer): What are your top goals in your first year, and how do you plan to make your mark?
A: Keira Lombardo
My initial focus will be to listen, learn, and align the team for accelerated growth. With our unmatched operational strength, I will prioritize refining our growth strategy—leaning into specialty eggs and prepared foods that reflect consumer preferences. This work will be collaborative, tapping into the expertise of our leadership and the dedication of our employees. Together, we will deliver affordable nutrition and build a resilient business for the future.
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