Cobb-Vantress, LLC, a global leader in poultry genetics, announced a strategic leadership transition that reinforces the company’s commitment to serving customers around the world while continuing to strengthen its global operations.
Will Sawyer, currently Vice President of Global Business Operations, will assume responsibility for Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) and Asia-Pacific (APAC). In this expanded role, Sawyer will provide strategic leadership across these international business operations while continuing to oversee the company’s IT, planning and strategy functions.
Supporting this leadership structure, Dominic Smith will become General Manager, EMEA, and Youngho Hong will become General Manager, APAC, both reporting to Sawyer. Smith and Hong bring extensive regional expertise, strong customer relationships and proven leadership experience that will help advance Cobb’s mission and support customers across their respective markets.
These appointments support a planned leadership transition as Roy Mutimer, Vice President of EMEA and APAC, prepares for retirement in 2027 following a distinguished career in the poultry industry. Mutimer will continue supporting the regions during the transition period while partnering closely with Sawyer, Smith and Hong to help ensure continuity and position the business for future success.
“EMEA and APAC are critical regions for our business and our customers, and I’m honored to have the opportunity to support both teams in this new capacity,” said Sawyer.
“I’ve had the privilege of working closely with leaders across both regions and have seen firsthand the talent, expertise and commitment of our teams. I’m especially excited to partner with Dominic and Youngho, whose deep market knowledge, strong customer relationships and proven leadership make them exceptionally well-positioned to lead their respective regions.”
Sawyer added, “Customer demand and confidence in the continued performance of Cobb products are creating exciting opportunities across both regions. The environment is right for increased investment in capacity, capabilities, people and strategic partnerships that will help us better serve our customers and support their growth ambitions.”
This leadership transition reflects Cobb’s ongoing investment in the future of its business and the customers it serves, while ensuring strong leadership and continuity across key global markets.
“Roy’s leadership has helped strengthen Cobb’s presence across EMEA and APAC and has contributed significantly to our success around the world,” said Shelby Watkins, President of Cobb. “We are grateful for his many contributions and the impact he has made on our business, our customers and our people over the course of his career.”
Watkins added, “This transition reflects the strength of our leadership team and our commitment to investing in the future. Will, Dominic and Youngho bring the experience, strategic vision and customer focus needed to continue advancing our global business. Their combined expertise positions us well to support our customers, strengthen regional operations and capture new opportunities for growth across these important markets.”
As Cobb approaches 110 years of advancing poultry genetics, these appointments represent another step in the company’s long history of progress, helping ensure Cobb remains well-positioned to meet the opportunities of tomorrow.
At Cobb, it’s not a moment. It’s momentum. And that momentum is driven by the people, expertise and commitment that continue to move the company and its customers forward.
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