Simplot Will Appoint New Global Food President

Erik Brandenburg will lead the Boise-based food division starting in November, replacing the retiring Graham Dugdale.

Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in People

Simplot Will Appoint New Global Food President

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Simplot has named long-time employee Erik Brandenburg as president of its Global Food division, effective November 1, 2026. He will succeed Graham Dugdale, who is scheduled to retire on December 15, 2026.

Why it matters

The leadership change arrives as Simplot continues to manage its 22 international manufacturing and processing facilities across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and South America. Integrating cross-border operations remains a primary focus for the division's leadership.

Incoming president Erik Brandenburg brings 25 years of tenure to his new role overseeing the firm's 22 global processing and manufacturing facilities.

The players

Erik Brandenburg

A 25-year company veteran who previously led efforts to integrate international and North American food operations.

Graham Dugdale

The outgoing president of Simplot's Global Food division who will retire at the end of 2026.

Simplot

A large, privately-held, Boise-based agribusiness and food processing company with significant international manufacturing footprints.

The details

Brandenburg begins transitioning into the role immediately to ensure continuity as Dugdale exits. His previous work centered on integrating Australia and North American food operations into a single cohesive global organization, a restructuring move that defines the division's current operational model.

Erik Brandenburg joined Simplot in 2001.
Erik Brandenburg assumes the role of division president on November 1, 2026.
Graham Dugdale retires from his position on December 15, 2026.

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Market Landscape

This leadership transition follows the pattern established by the previous integration of the company's Australia and North American food businesses. Brandenburg is tasked with managing the global organizational structure that resulted from that earlier consolidation.

Operators should monitor the transition for potential shifts in procurement or supplier requirements stemming from the new president's integration strategy. The December retirement of the outgoing president marks the next milestone for finalizing vendor relationships.

The takeaway

The transition underscores the value of internal talent development in managing complex, multi-continent supply chains. Operators looking for continuity in their own succession planning should formalize overlap periods between outgoing and incoming leadership.

What happens next

Erik Brandenburg will officially assume his duties as president on November 1, 2026, followed by the retirement of Graham Dugdale on December 15, 2026.