Ruth Kimmelshue leads Cargill’s Business Operations & Supply Chain, comprised of Cargill Strategic Sourcing & Procurement (CSSP); Plant Operations; Cargill Transportation & Logistics (CTL); Environment, Health & Safety (EHS); Food Safety, Quality & Regulatory (FSQR) and Research & Development (R&D). This team is responsible for delivering integrated end-to-end supply chain capabilities and functional expertise to the corporation and its businesses. She also leads the company’s efforts in Sustainability. Ruth is a member of Cargill’s Executive Team.
Before taking her current role, Ruth was a corporate leader for Cargill’s Animal Protein and Salt businesses, a post she attained after serving as Business Unit President for Cargill Turkey & Cooked Meats, Business Unit President of Cargill Salt, and Vice President and Commercial Manager of Cargill AgHorizons. Ruth also led Cargill Supply Chain Solutions, an internal consulting organization serving Cargill’s businesses around the world. This is where Ruth first gained her understanding and appreciation for the value of strong supply chain processes and capabilities.
Ruth began her career in 1986 at Continental Grain. She held roles in grain and oilseed merchandising and trading, facility and general management, economic analysis, and marketing and sales in the U.S. and Europe. Cargill acquired Continental Grain in 1999.
Ruth, who was raised on an almond and bean farm in Northern California, serves on the National AFA Board of Directors.
She earned a B.A. in International Relations and an M.A. in Agricultural Economics from Stanford University. Ruth and her husband, Gary Reding, have three children and live in Minnetonka, Minnesota.