BATTLECREEK, Mich. — Kellogg Co.’s longtime liaison to many food industry organizations, Dave Jones, said Monday he will retire after 33 years with the company.

“We thank Dave for representing Kellogg so well throughout his career,” said Scott Salmon, Kellogg chief customer officer. “His advocacy with industry partners, associations and trade organizations on our company’s behalf has been fundamental to our success.”

Jones grew his Kellogg career through the Kellogg sales organization, where he began as a territory manager in his home state of Oklahoma in 1986. In 1988, he won the Golden K Award as the top salesperson across all U.S.-based Kellogg sales employees.

Jones earned a position in the ranks of sales leadership in 1994. From there he advanced into additional roles of increasing responsibility having held regional, national and Kellogg North America roles in New Jersey, Texas and Battle Creek.

In 2009, Jones was promoted to vice president of industry initiatives where he serves as the primary voice of Kellogg and represents the company within food industry and consumer packaged goods organizations.

Jones’ last day with Kellogg will be Oct. 25, 2019. Succeeding Jones is Joe Mueller, a vice president within Kellogg and a longtime veteran of the Kellogg sales organization.

“Dave built a career out of making connections – with those internally he mentored and the people with whom he partnered industry-wide,” Salmon said.

“While we celebrate his legacy, we are also excited to advance the career of Joe and look forward to his leadership with our industry partners.”