Leadership and Governance

Corporate Governance and Compliance

Our corporate philosophy necessarily includes the importance of sound corporate governance and compliance with laws, regulations and our own internal policies. We have an independent JBS USA Advisory Board to support the company’s executive leadership on matters related to corporate governance, government and regulatory affairs, commodity risk management and marketing. Our JBS USA Advisory Board is made up of independent members, ensuring that credible, expert voices of objectivity help guide the direction of our business. The board meets quarterly, in addition to providing ongoing counsel to the JBS USA CEO and executive leadership team.

The Ethics and Compliance Department (ECD) is led by the Global Chief Compliance Officer, who has a split reporting structure to the Independent Advisory Board and CEO for JBS USA, and to the Board of Directors and CFO for Pilgrim’s. The ECD is responsible for managing a number of essential compliance functions. First, the ECD develops, administers and trains on the Code of Conduct and Ethics and related policies, including anti-bribery/anti-corruption, anti-trust/competition, international trade and sanctions, conflicts of interest and hospitalities (gifts, business meals and entertainment). Second, the ECD manages the JBS USA Ethics Line, and actively promotes and encourages its use through the “Speak Up Campaign.” Third, the ECD monitors compliance through investigations, assessment and analysis of Ethics Line matters, and one-on-one consultations with employees regarding specific situations. Fourth, JBS USA also requires third party vendors to follow our same high standards.  Specifically, JBS USA provides its third-party vendors with its Supplier Code of Conduct, which requires third-party vendors to commit to acceptable standards of business conduct and integrity, and comply with all applicable laws, regulations and rules. Fifth, in 2021, JBS USA established an Ethics Committee comprised of senior executives who are responsible for promoting a company-wide culture that encourages ethical conduct and decision-making; compliance with the law, regulations, and policies; and promotion of senior management’s commitment to support the compliance function.