TIME Named Jennifer Hartsock Executive of the Year
The Cargill digital transformation leader has successfully overhauled the company's approach to IT staffing.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Remote Work
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TIME has recognized Cargill leader Jennifer Hartsock as the 2026 Executive of the Year. Hartsock has been instrumental in integrating AI into food production and supply chain operations since taking her role in 2022.
Why it matters
Hartsock spearheaded a shift away from heavy IT outsourcing, arguing that internal employees deeply invested in the company's mission drive superior business results. Her strategy focuses on aligning digital modernization with core agricultural production.
Cargill has reduced its dependence on outsourced IT roles to 60% of its workforce, down from 90% previously. The firm aims to reach a majority in-house staffing level within approximately one year.
The players
Jennifer Hartsock
She serves as a leader of digital transformation at the food and agricultural corporation Cargill.
Cargill
This global food and agricultural corporation provides food, agriculture, financial, and industrial products.
TIME
This American news magazine and website provides coverage and rankings on global and corporate leadership.
The details
Under Hartsock, Cargill has deployed advanced technology across its facilities, including AI-driven analysis of chicken gut microbiomes and computer vision systems to assist workers in beef plants. This digital transformation prioritizes internal expertise over external contracting to enhance organizational outcomes.
Timeline
Jennifer Hartsock stepped into her current role at Cargill in 2022.
TIME named Jennifer Hartsock Executive of the Year in 2026.
Cargill aims for majority in-house IT staffing within the next year or so.
Market Landscape
Cargill's staffing pivot follows a broader trend where major corporations are increasingly prioritizing internal digital capabilities over traditional external service contracts. This shift positions the company to maintain tighter control over its proprietary AI and operational technology.
Average consumers may see little change to their daily interactions with Cargill, but the increased internal IT focus aims to stabilize operations and potentially improve the speed of food product innovation. Employees in the technology sector may find new opportunities as the firm continues its push to move over half of its IT roles in-house.
The takeaway
The move toward in-house talent highlights the growing value companies place on cultural alignment in technical roles. Leaders looking to replicate this success should focus on how internal buy-in can accelerate the adoption of complex technologies like AI and computer vision.
Further reading
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Source note: This article includes information reported by TIME.
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