Firefighters doused flames Monday at a home property records indicate belongs to the newly named president and chief executive officer of Tyson Foods.
The call came in about 10:45 a.m. to 5100 block of Turnhouse Circle in Johnson, according to Dale Riggins, senior administrative assistant with the Fayetteville Fire Department. The home sits in a subdivision south of Blessings Golf Club, near the Fayetteville city limits.
Firefighters could see flames and heavy smoke coming from the second floor and attic of the home when they arrived, Riggins said. Occupants inside the home got out safely, he said.
Noel and Patricia White bought the home in 2014, according to Washington County property records. The home was placed in a trust in Patricia White's name in 2015.
Tyson announced Monday morning Noel White was its new president and CEO. He previously served as group president of Beef, Pork and International and a member of Tyson Foods' enterprise leadership team.
Firefighters were still at the house searching for hidden flames midday Monday, Riggins said. The house is about 7,000 square feet and was built in 2005, records show.
— Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
EARLIER:
Tyson Foods has named a new president and CEO to succeed Tom Hayes, who is stepping down for personal reasons, the Arkansas-based company said Monday.
Tyson said in a statement that Noel White, a former president of the beef, pork and international division, will lead the company beginning Sept. 30.
John Tyson, the chairman of the board of directors, called Hayes a "proven leader who has played an integral role in our enterprise leadership team for many years."
"He has run our beef, pork, and poultry businesses and is now helping Tyson Foods capitalize on international opportunities," Tyson said in the statement. "His deep institutional knowledge and a stellar track record over his more than 30-year career at Tyson Foods and a predecessor company give the board the utmost confidence in his ability to drive the business forward, accelerate global growth and create long-term value for shareholders.”
The statement didn't identify the personal reasons that prompted Hayes' departure. He was named CEO in 2016.
“It is a very difficult decision to leave Tyson Foods, but after careful consideration and discussions with my family and the board, I know it is the right thing to do," Hayes said in the statement. "I am appreciative of support from my family and the board for my decision and am confident that Tyson Foods has a bright future with Noel White, along with our enterprise leadership team, as its leader.”
Tyson, which is headquartered in Springdale, has more than 120,000 employees and is one of the largest food companies in the world.
— Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Read Tuesday's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full details.