Biography
Martin Sauer is the CEO of Danish Crown’s North American operations, a leading Checkoff-paying importer. He started with Danish Crown in 1993, which led him to Germany and the United Kingdom. Sauer spent eight years with Tulip UK Limited, establishing their export department and looking after markets like China and the U.S. The company was purchased by JBS in 2019 and is now part of their Pilgrim’s Pride European operations.
Sauer is a member of the Danish-American Chamber of Commerce, which hosts events for Danish expats and their families and aims to promote trade relations between Denmark and the U.S.
Nominating Committee Comments
Martin Sauer has a global perspective that would bring value to the board, specifically, his knowledge of regulations in other countries that are not evident in the U.S. Sauer did outline innovative ideas for packers and processors, describing how back bacon, a product from the loin that is consumed in the United Kingdom, could be a product to add value to U.S. pork.
While domestic demand is a priority for the pork industry, the committee understands that a diverse board with expertise in various subject matters is crucial for understanding differing perspectives and potential outcomes and judiciously spending Checkoff funds. Sauer could offer a unique connection to other cultures and nationalities as an importer, and if chosen to serve, he’d be the first in more than 10 years.