Tyson Foods CFO Suspended After DUI Arrest, Senior Finance Executive Steps In

Tyson Foods announced early Thursday morning that its Chief Financial Officer, John R. Tyson, the great-grandson of the founder, was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving and has been suspended. The company immediately appointed senior finance executive Curt Calaway as interim CFO, effective immediately after the incident.

According to a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Calaway has been with Tyson for nearly two decades, most recently serving in senior corporate and development roles. His LinkedIn profile also confirms this background.

According to records from the Washington County Sheriff's Office, Tyson was arrested and booked by University of Arkansas police at approximately 1:30 a.m. Thursday and released nine hours later on a $1,105 bond.

In an official statement, Tyson Foods said: "We are aware that Tyson Foods CFO John Randall Tyson was arrested for suspected drunk driving. Tyson Foods has immediately suspended Mr. Tyson." The statement also emphasized that the company takes this matter very seriously.

Notably, this is Tyson's second arrest related to alcohol in two years. In November 2022, about a month after he was appointed CFO, police found him asleep in someone else's home. He later pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges of public intoxication and trespassing and was fined $440.

After the 2022 incident, Tyson apologized to the company and investors, saying he was embarrassed and willing to take full responsibility. During an earnings call, he said: "This incident is inconsistent with our company's values and my personal values. I wanted you to hear this directly from me and know that I am committed to ensuring this does not happen again."

Specific details about Thursday's arrest have not yet been fully disclosed. Tyson faces charges of drunk driving, careless driving, and improper turns or U-turns.