Tyson Foods heir suspended as CFO after second alcohol-related arrest

Tyson Foods suspended its chief financial officer, a great-grandson of the company’s founder, after he was arrested for drunk driving on Thursday.

John R. Tyson, 34, was arrested early Thursday morning by University of Arkansas police in Fayetteville, Arkansas, police records show. He was also charged with careless driving and making an illegal turn.

Tyson was released from custody later Thursday on $1,105 bail. His court date is scheduled for July 15.

Tyson Foods, based in Springdale, Arkansas, said in a statement Thursday that it was aware of the arrest and immediately suspended John R. Tyson, the son of Tyson Foods Chairman John H. Tyson and a former investment banker who joined Tyson Foods in 2019.

Tyson Foods appointed Curt Calaway as interim Chief Financial Officer.

It was the second time in less than two years that John R. Tyson was arrested for DUI. In November 2022, he was charged with public drunkenness and trespassing after allegedly entering a stranger’s home in Fayetteville and falling asleep in her bed.

John R. Tyson apologized for the incident in an email to the entire company, saying he was ashamed and was currently undergoing treatment for alcohol abuse. Later pleaded guilty to these charges and settled these by paying fines and court costs.