Former Tyson Foods CEO Wayne Britt Dies at 75

Wayne Britt, the former CEO of Tyson Foods and a prominent businessman, passed away on March 14, 2025, at the Willard Walker Hospice Home in Fayetteville at the age of 75.

Britt, a graduate of Nashville High School in 1967, earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting with honors from the University of Arkansas in 1971. He became a certified public accountant (CPA) in 1972 and began his professional career at Douglas Walker Accounting firm while still in school.

Britt’s journey at Tyson Foods began in 1972 when he became a complex controller. Over the next 28 years, he held numerous key positions, including cost and budget manager, corporate controller, and senior vice president. He ultimately became the CEO of the company before retiring in 2000.

Beyond his career at Tyson, Britt served on several boards for companies and non-profit organizations, including Tyson Foods, Springdale Bank & Trust, and the National Chicken Council. He also served as a consultant and executive in residence at the University of Arkansas’ Sam M. Walton College of Business.

In addition to his professional achievements, Britt was deeply involved in community work, serving on the board of Hope Cancer Resources Foundation and volunteering for various religious and non-profit organizations.

A celebration of life will be held at Christ Church in Fayetteville at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, March 19, followed by a reception at Fayetteville Country Club.