North Carolina
Biography
Will Brunt is the chief innovation and marketing officer for Villari Food Group, based out of
Wilmington, North Carolina. In this role, he develops and implements strategic initiatives that align with business objectives in innovation, sales and marketing. He notably established a robust three-year pipeline of innovative products, delivering 5% annual growth and maintaining a competitive product portfolio.
Will has spent more than half of his 32-year marketing and advertising career with animal protein, emphasizing pork, specifically Boar’s Head, Smithfield Foods and Villari Food Group, while also building cross-functional teams and creating a growth-oriented culture of accountability and partnership. Other brands throughout his career include Sara Lee, Tabasco, Rolling Rock, Ventura Foods and International Delight.
Lastly, Will was active in the National Pork Board’s two-year marketing advisory group, which served as a crucial feedback loop for the development of the Taste What Pork Can Do® consumer brand campaign, launched in May 2025.
Nominating Committee Comments
The mission of the National Pork Board is to do research, education and promotion on behalf of producers with operations large and small. If you review the composition of the current NPB Board and other candidates, larger-scale, commercial meat industry is represented. However, Will Brunt brings a different perspective with smaller, niche markets, but with a passion for increasing demand and credible involvement in the Taste What Pork Can Do® consumer brand campaign development.
Will stressed that trust is everything, both personally and professionally. He outlined trust is the foundation to build demand, specifically building desirably with consumers. If they don’t believe what we’re saying, then they aren’t listening to us through the campaign. Will shared the importance of confirming states are aligned with NPB on messaging with the campaign.