JBS United Inc. announced Nov. 12 that it has named John Swisher, chief executive officer and chairman of the board, as chairman emeritus of the company's board of directors effective Oct. 8.

Dr. Doug Webel, previously chief operating officer of the Animal Nutrition & Health Group of JBS United, assumed the role of president and CEO, and John Corbett assumed the role of chairman of the board.

Swisher founded the company in 1956 as United Feeds, and under his leadership the company has grown to more than 340 employees and reaches 23 countries. After 60 years of industry leadership, Swisher has served on the boards of directors of the Indiana Pork Producers Assn. and the 4-H Foundation and is one of only four recipients to receive both the Ernst & Young National Entrepreneur of the Year Award and be inducted into the Indiana Business Hall of Fame.

Webel joined the company in 1998 as a swine nutritionist, taking the role of director of research and development in 2004, vice president of emerging technologies in 2005 and COO of Animal Nutrition & Health in 2008.

One of Swisher’s key objectives is the continuation of JBS United into generations beyond his own. With this in mind, and in keeping with the continuing evolution of the company, the board of directors of JBS United made these executive appointments.

Additional changes in leadership included the promotion of managing director Ellen Swisher Crabb to vice chairwoman, Trent Torrance to vice president of Animal Nutrition & Health and Steve Biddle to vice president of Grain. Don Orr retired as president of JBS United at the end of May, and will continue on the board of directors until May 2016 as president emeritus.

JBS United, founded in 1956, is dedicated to providing research-based solutions that create value for its partners in animal agriculture. JBS United offers livestock nutrition and health products globally through the JBS United or affiliate brands. JBS United also merchandises grain and operates seven strategically located grain elevators. While the organization’s headquarters are in Sheridan, Ind., the sales staff and team members stretch from the East Coast to the West to assist customers with their business needs. In total, the JBS United operation extends to 23 countries, including South Korea, the Philippines and locations in South America and Europe.