SMITHFIELD, Va., July 2, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Michael P. Skahill, vice president of global affairs for Smithfield Foods, has been elected vice chair of the U.S.-Poland Business Council for 2015-16.

The U.S.-Poland Business Council, based in Washington, D.C., is a non-profit organization that promotes commercial relations between the United States and Poland. The council's mission is to enhance trade, investment and the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Poland, and to educate the public about its importance.

As the leading U.S. business association focused on Poland, the council ensures that American executives and key Polish and U.S. government decision-makers have a forum to advocate for further trade and investment opportunities in Poland, and amicably resolve issues that might prevent future economic growth in the two countries' commercial relationship.

Smithfield is Poland's largest producer of fresh and packaged meats, including the prized Krakus Ham. It is also one of Poland's largest hog producers. Primary lines of business include fresh pork and poultry as well as smoked and cooked hams, sausages, hot dogs, bacon, canned meats, and pâtés with products available in more than 40 countries at retail and through foodservice channels.

Skahill also was recently elected to the board of directors for the U.S.-China Agriculture & Food Partnership (AFP).

As vice president of global affairs, Skahill plays a key role in driving forward and supporting the work already underway in the development of policies and strategies to engage governments, multilateral organizations and other key stakeholders in international markets that are strategic to Smithfield Foods. Skahill joined Smithfield in 1998 and has also served in key international sales functions and most recently was vice president of international sales until April 2013.

Prior to joining Smithfield, Skahill had 13 years of international meat merchandising and trading experience with the Louis Dreyfus Corporation, the United States Meat Export Federation, and Cargill, Inc. He is a graduate of Iowa State University and is a native of Dubuque, Iowa. Skahill lives in Williamsburg, Virginia, with his family.

About Smithfield Foods

Smithfield Foods is a $15 billion global food company and the world's largest pork processor and hog producer. In the United States, the company is also the leader in numerous packaged meats categories with popular brands including Smithfield®, Eckrich®, Farmland®, Armour®, Cook's®, John Morrell®, Gwaltney®, Nathan's Famous®, Kretschmar®, Margherita®, Curly's®, Carando® and Healthy Ones®. Smithfield Foods is committed to providing good food in a responsible way and maintains robust animal care, community involvement, employee safety, environmental and food safety and quality programs. For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com and www.smithfieldcommitments.com.