Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation announced that CEO Jayson Penn has begun a paid leave of absence, effective immediately. During his leave of absence, Mr. Penn intends to focus on his defense of the recently disclosed indictment against him, to which he has pleaded not guilty. The Pilgrim’s Board of Directors has appointed Fabio Sandri, Pilgrim’s CFO, as interim CEO. Fabio Sandri joined Pilgrim’s as Chief Financial Officer in June 2011. He brings to his role as interim CEO nine years of experience with the company as leader of its financial management and investor relations activities.