Pioneers in poultry genetics

From our top-level executives, to our world-class research and development team, each member plays a crucial role in driving our mission forward.

Our Leadership
Meet our team of passionate, innovative leaders committed to driving Cobb's progress in the industry. Their expertise and strategic decision-making lay the foundation for our culture, operational excellence, and our commitment to a sustainable future.
Joyce J. Lee
President
Dr. William Herring
Vice President, Research and Development
Roy Mutimer
Vice President, EMEA and Asia Pacific
Ben Church
Vice President, Engagement
Chris Lewellen
Chief Financial Officer
Vic De Martino
Managing Director, Global Strategic Sales and Operations Planning
Brian Sorensen
Senior Director, Human Resources
Kendall Layman
Managing Director, IT and Facilities
Billy Pharis
Law Department
Ray Ables
Vice President, Live Production
Dr. Gene Shepherd
Managing Director, QA and Veterinary Services
Bernardo Gallo
Managing Director, Latin America and Canada

Our Values

Shaping our success, one value at a time.
Our values aren't just words on a page - they're the driving force behind every decision we make, every project we undertake, and every interaction we have. Rooted in family, driven by excellence, shaped by innovation, and upheld by integrity, these principles bring our mission to life and forge the culture of respect and camaraderie that defines us at Cobb.
01
Family
We believe in treating each other and our customers like family. We communicate openly and respectfully and focus on the best possible result for each other and the company. We value the knowledge, skills, ideas and capabilities of every individual.
02
Integrity
We believe doing the right thing is always the right choice. We’ve earned trust for more than a century by doing business honestly, ethically, legally, safely and sustainably. We keep our promises and take responsibility for our actions and results.
03
Innovation
We believe creative thinking, curiosity and collaboration inspire the best business solutions and products. We prepare for and adapt to future trends and needs. We’re open minded, welcome new ideas, encourage responsible risk taking and embrace lifelong learning.
04
Being the Best
We believe in working hard and thinking customer-first. We give our best every day and set and achieve high standards in everything we do. We manage resources wisely and challenge ourselves to seek continuous improvement and new opportunities.

Global supply network

Our global footprint spans 5 continents and we have biosecure operations in 10 countries. Through our global distribution network, our products are available in over 100 countries.

History of the Company

A legacy of innovation
1910s
1920s
1930s
1940s
1950s
1960s
1970s
1980s
1990s
2000s
2010s
1916
Robert C Cobb Senior buys the Old Pickard Farm in Littleton, Massachusetts, on November 20, 1916. Cobb's Pidigree Chicks is formed.
1920
Incubator capacity increases to 1,400 eggs.
1925
Cobb becomes the largest breeder of Barred Plymouth Rocks in New England.
1935
One million breeders were produced.
1947
Cobb begins a breeding line of all white birds, called White Rocks.
1955
The White Rocks are introduced in the US broiler breeder market.
1956
First exhibit at the Atlanta Show.
1959
First Cobb franchise begins in Europe.
1960
First shipment of grandparent stock is sent to Cobb Breeding Company in the UK.
1961
Hatchery is opened in Siloam Springs, Arkansas
1964
Distribution in Africa begins.
1966
Introduction of the Cobb100™ broiler / breeder, soon known for its outstanding reproductive performance.
1969
Cobb-Española is formed.
1970
UK breeding program initiates the Cobb500™.
1974
Cobb is purchased by The Upjohn Company. Tyson Foods, Inc. acquires the Vantress breeding lines.
1983
Arkansas Breeders, the first Tyson/Cobb venture is formed.
1986
Cobb-Vantress is formed as a joint venture between Tyson Foods, Inc. and The Upjohn Company, and positions Cobb as an international leader in poultry breeding.
1988
A joint-venture company is formed in Brazil. Also, JV with Vitarich Corporation was formed
1990
Cobb opens a new hatchery in Siloam Springs, Arkansas.
1993
New Cobb production and quality assurance facility opens.
1994
Tyson Foods, Inc. acquires 100% of Cobb's stock from the Upjohn Company.
1995
Second joint-venture agreement in Brazil. New distributorship agreement in Thailand.
1997
Opens Cobb's fifth US hatchery in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
1998
Cobb Germany is formed to target central and eastern Europe.
Work starts on a third pedigree breeding complex at Grand Meadows in Oklahoma.
1999
The World Technical Support Team is formed.
2000

Cobb-Vantress, Inc. acquires the assets of Avian Farms including facilities in Kentucky and Texas, and the Avian genetic lines.
A new grandparent franchise, Cobb South Africa, is set up by Rainbow Farms.

2001
The first great grandparent center is inaugurated by Cobb-Vantress Brasil Limitada in São Paulo complex.
2002
The new $7 million feed mill opens at Siloam Springs.
A new grandparent facility with Reproductores Cobb SA in Argentina goes into full production.
A new joint venture company starts in the Dominican Republic.
2004
Cobb-Vantress Brazil opens new office at Sao Jose do Rio Preto.
CobbAvian 48™ with focus on lower chick cost is introduced.
UK Bawdeswell hatchery expands to increase regional grandparent production.
2005
Cobb South Africa gains a Cobb “Valued and Prestigious Partner Award” as one of the largest and fastest growing distributors globally.
Cobb Germany appointed distributor for 17 countries in central and eastern Europe.
2006
$15 million project with Granja Alvorada in the Mato Grosso do Sul region of Brazilic is completed. Cobb Europe moves EMEA regional office from the Netherlands to Colchester, UK. Cobb completes 50 years at US Poultry & Egg International Expo in Atlanta, US.
New sales structure announced with Cobb's largest grandparent customer, Agrogen Desenvolvimento Genetico in Brazil.
2007
Alliance announced between Cobb-Vantress and Hendrix Genetics. Cobb acquires Hybro and enters an agreement on joint research and development in livestock genetics.
The new Cobb700™ breder, broiler launched in North America and Europe.
2008
Partnership announced by Cobb and Sasso, the leading French breeder of colored and specialty breeding stock for slower growing markets, leading to launch of Cobb Sasso 150 and accreditation by RSPCA for Freedom Foods products.
2008
Purchase of TimberLake farm in Texas to house great grandparent level multiplier flocks to provide for increasing worldwide needs.
Completion of alliance with Hendrix Genetics, purchase of Hybro.
Opening of new hatchery in Russia by Broiler Budeshego.
2008
New distributors appointed in Bangladesh, Indonesia, the Philippines and Sri Lanka.
Cobb announces a 4 year, US$10 million genomes research program with partners Hendrix Genetics and the USDA.
2009
Cobb Europe acquires Kabir International which specializes in colored chicken for niche markets globally.
Three additionall distributors are approved in Asia.
2010
Construction of new Cobb Quality Testing Center doubles laboratory capacity at Siloam Springs Arkansas, USA.
Arkansas honors Cobb-Vantress for export success.
Cobb-Vantress Brazil invests in local communities to improve lives of children.
2011
New investment in Cobb Europe great grandparent production facilities in UK
New $14 million hatchery officially opened at Lafayette, Tennessee, USA, supplied by 27 breeder farms.
2012
Fifth US research complex officially opened in Deer Lodge, Tennessee, USA, represents $22 million investment in expanding pedigree breeding
New research agreement with CP Foods in Thailand
2012
New regional sales and technical office opens in Bangkok, Thailand
Cobb Española opens €5 million hatchery to supply Spain, Portugal and north Africa
Cobb-Vantress and Hendrix Genetics sign further joint venture research agreement.
2015
Cobb China $35 million-dollar production complex opens
2016
Cobb celebrates 100th anniversary
2017
Cobb opens Joanna, South Carolina feed mill
2018
Cobb opens downtown Siloam Springs office
Cobb Colombia unit begins operations
2019
Cobb New Zealand $50 million-dollar pure-line production facility opens

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