Darling Ingredients vice president to retire

Darling Ingredients Inc., an organics recycling and renewable natural gas (RNG) company based in Irving, Texas, has announced Melissa Gaither, vice president of investor relations, sustainability and global communications, will retire effective April 29 after more than 33 years of service. Suann Guthrie will succeed Gaither.

"On behalf of the board of directors, I would like to thank Melissa for her tireless dedication and many significant contributions to Darling over the years," says Randall C. Stuewe, chairman and CEO of Darling Ingredients Inc. "Her strong commitment to investors, employees and customers has been instrumental in growing Darling's visibility as an industry leader."

According to a news release from Darling, Gaither began her career at Darling as a commodity trader in 1989. She served in various leadership roles, including purchasing, investor relations, sustainability and global communications.

Guthrie, who will report to Stuewe, will be responsible for leading the company’s investor relations and communications strategy and overseeing Darling’s commitment to sustainability. She joined Darling as a communications executive from the tech industry. .

Darling says Guthrie brings more than 20 years of leadership across strategy development, media and investor relations, government affairs, corporate communications, crisis management and environmental, social and governance. She began her career at BNSF Railway, Fort Worth, Texas, spanning several communications roles. She then spent eight years at ExxonMobil, Irving, where she was head of global public and government affairs for unconventional oil and gas development.   

"Suann knows our industry and brings the ideal blend of experience having held senior roles in the transportation and energy sectors," Stuewe says. "She brings a wealth of experience to Darling that is well suited to advance our sustainability vision and communicate our story of global growth in the years ahead."