The Virginia law firm Gentry Locke is pleased to announce that Stewart T. Leeth, a seasoned c-suite executive with more than 30 years of legal, regulatory, and sustainability experience, has joined the firm.
Stewart brings a proven track record of aligning legal strategy with business objectives, advancing corporate sustainability initiatives, and fostering strong relationships with stakeholders across the public and private sectors.
“We are excited to welcome Stewart to the firm,” said Gentry Locke Managing Partner Brett Marston. “His extensive experience at the intersection of law, business strategy, and environmental sustainability, combined with his ability to navigate complex regulatory environments, will be an exceptional asset to our clients and our firm.”
Serving in leadership roles with Smithfield Foods, Inc. (NYSE: SFD), a Fortune 500 company, Leeth most recently served as Chief Sustainability Officer where he acted as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, helping align global sustainability initiatives with core business strategy. In this role, Leeth oversaw environmental compliance efforts worldwide and represented the company in engagements with government officials, non-governmental organizations, and key external stakeholders. He also played a pivotal role in business development initiatives, serving as a strategic partner to sales teams and strengthening relationships with major customers.
During his tenure at Smithfield Foods, Leeth initiated Smithfield Renewables, an innovative platform focused on identifying and advancing renewable energy opportunities. He also served on the boards of two company joint ventures, Align RNG, LLC, and Monarch Bioenergy LLC, supporting cutting-edge work in methane capture and renewable energy development.
Prior to serving as the Chief Sustainability Officer, Leeth served in a variety of legal and business roles, including as Vice President overseeing corporate environmental compliance and state government affairs teams across the United States, General Counsel for the production division, Deputy Director of the company’s charitable foundation, and Chief Corporate Environmental Counsel. Earlier in his career at Smithfield, Leeth played a central role in developing and expanding the company’s global sustainability strategy and helped establish one of the first comprehensive sustainability programs in the protein industry.
Before joining Smithfield, Leeth was a partner at a global law firm where he represented clients in complex environmental and regulatory matters, including litigation, rulemaking, and permitting. He also served as an Assistant Attorney General in the Natural Resources Section of the Attorney General’s Office, advising state agencies and handling administrative law and enforcement matters. Leeth began his legal career as a judicial law clerk to the Honorable Claude M. Hilton of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.
Leeth remains actively engaged in civic and industry leadership, having served in numerous roles with organizations such as the National Pork Board, the Virginia Land Conservation Board, the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, and multiple conservation and agribusiness organizations across Virginia and North Carolina. He has also authored a portion of the Virginia Local Government Attorney’s Manual for over two decades. His work reflects a strong commitment to sustainable development, public service, and regional economic growth.
He earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Richmond School of Law and his Bachelor of Arts in International Studies from the University of Richmond. With Stewart’s addition, Gentry Locke continues to strengthen its ability to provide forward-thinking legal counsel that integrates business strategy, regulatory insight, and real-world executive experience.