Tyson Foods has chosen long-time employee Donnie Smith to lead it in its fightback against Brazil's JBS, 11 months after the surprise departure of Dick Bond.

Mr Smith, who was in charge of the group's poultry and prepared foods divisions, has been appointed with immediate effect as Tyson's chief executive.

In addition, the US protein giant revealed it had promoted Jim Lochner from head of fresh meats to chief operating officer.

Mr Smith, 50, will take direct reports from divisions including finance and legal, as well as from Mr Lochner, who will oversee the main business divisions.

'Next phase' 

The appointments come as JBS is in the process of taking Tyson's crown as the world's biggest meat processor, through the takeovers of Brazilian beef giant Bertin and bankrupt American chicken group, Pilgrim's Pride.

He added: "Their extensive experience inside the company has fully prepared them to continue the progress we have made in the last year."

Mr Smith's poultry division was credited by JP Morgan analyst Ken Goldman with an "outstanding performance" in the three months to June 27, when its 7.1% rise in revenues drove improvement in group results.

Tollett's return

Mr Smith will be the group's first permanent chief executive since January, when the group stunned investors by announcing the departure of Mr Bond, who had been in charge since 2006 and a board member since 2001. Tyson shares slumped 6%.

While Mr Bond gained plaudits from investors for returning the group's beef unit to profitability, some analysts believe that he fell out of favour with the ruling Tyson family over the company's weak performance in chicken.

Leland Tollett, Tyson chairman and chief executive from 1995-98, was recalled as interim boss, and will remain on hand for "strategic advice and support". 

Tyson shares closed down 2 cents at $13.07 in New York.