Tyson Adds Seventh Independent Board Member; Former Sysco executive becomes newest director

Springdale, Arkansas – A former executive for one of the world’s leading foodservice companies has been named to the board of directors of Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE: TSN), Tyson officials announced today.

Robert C. Thurber, former vice president of purchasing for Sysco Corporation, is now one of 10 Tyson directors and one of seven independent members of the board.

“Robert was recommended by our nominating committee and we’re pleased to have him join us,” said Tyson Foods Chairman John Tyson. “We believe his background will be of great benefit to our board and our company, given Tyson’s position as a leading supplier of high quality protein to the foodservice industry.”

Thurber held various executive positions with Sysco from 1983 until he retired in 2007. As vice president of purchasing he was responsible for more than $22 billion in purchases, while managing a staff of about 275 people. He directed Sysco’s entry into the fresh produce business and helped increase the company’s fresh produce revenues from $14 million in 1983 to $3.5 billion in 2007. He also helped facilitate numerous acquisitions of distribution, specialty meat and produce distribution companies.

Thurber, who is 61 years old, is a resident of Magnolia Springs, Alabama, and also serves on the board of directors for Capstone Bancshares, Inc. of Tuscaloosa.

Tyson Foods, Inc., founded in 1935 with headquarters in Springdale, Arkansas, is the world’s largest processor and marketer of chicken, beef and pork, the second-largest food production company in the Fortune 500 and a member of the S&P 500. The company produces a wide variety of protein-based and prepared food products and is the recognized market leader in the retail and foodservice markets it serves. Tyson provides products and service to customers throughout the United States and more than 90 countries. The company has approximately 107,000 Team Members employed at more than 300 facilities and offices in the United States and around the world. Through its Core Values, Code of Conduct and Team Member Bill of Rights, Tyson strives to operate with integrity and trust and is committed to creating value for its shareholders, customers and Team Members. The company also strives to be faith-friendly, provide a safe work environment and serve as stewards of the animals, land and environment entrusted to it.