Rob Cannell, PhD

Chief Sustainability Officer, National Beef

Rob Cannell, Ph.D., is the Chief Sustainability Officer at National Beef.  He has served in this role since 2021.  In this position, he facilitates the development and communication of National Beef’s Sustainability program and oversees the execution of the plans, especially in the areas of climate and natural resource management.  Rob brings ten years of National Beef management experience to his position.  In addition to sustainability, he has lead research and development as well as leather chemistry and product quality.  Rob’s career in the meat industry began 45 years ago in retail meat fabrication and merchandising.   His experience expanded to the meat packing industry with Harris Ranch Beef Company and then with Monfort (now JBS) where he held positions in Production, Quality Assurance and Research and Development.  Prior to joining National Beef, he spent 12 years with McDonald’s Corporation in the U.S. Supply Chain, with red meat responsibilities. Rob’s education includes degrees in Animal Science (with production/meats emphasis) from California State University Fresno, Texas A&M University and Colorado State University (BS, MS, Ph.D., respectively). He is based in Kansas City, Missouri.