Martin Bally

Martin Bally
Education	Spring Arbor University (BA) Norwich University (MS)
Known for	Leaked Recording Controversy
Title	Former Vice President & Chief information security officer, Campbell's

Martin Bally is an American businessman. He is the former vice president and Chief information security officer of Campbell's and is best known for his controversial statements regarding Campbell's customer base.

In September 2024, Bally reportedly said they sell products for "poor people" and that he doesn't buy the products himself now that he knows what's in it. ^[1] This discussion was leaked via a recording provided by former employee Robert Garza, the plaintiff in Garza v. Campbell Soup Company. As of November 24, 2025, he was dismissed by the company. ^[2]

Leaked Recording Controversy

The leaked recording of Bally showed specifically his distaste for bioengineered meat. He was quoted saying the following:

"Who buys our shit? I don't buy Campbell's products barely anymore. It's not healthy now that I know what the fuck's in it. Bioengineered meat-- I don't wanna eat a piece of chicken that came from a 3-D printer." ^[3]

Despite his concerns, cultured meat has been deemed safe to eat by health officials ^[4] , with the FDA approving it as a cruelty-free and environmentally friendly alternative to traditionally produced meat with concerns from others being seemingly unsubstantiated. ^[5] Asides from the seemingly classist and scientifically inaccurate claims reportedly pushed by those who profit off of traditionally harvested meat ^[6] he reportedly said several racist comments regarding Indian employees, calling them "idiots" and saying "they couldn't think for their fucking selves," among other things. ^[7] Further regarding his seemingly misguided thoughts on lab-grown meat, a Campbell's spokesperson noted that Bally works in IT and "has no idea how the products are made". ^[8]

Before Campbell's Soup

Bally earned his bachelor of arts from Spring Arbor University. ^[9] He then earned his master of science in Information assurance from Norwich University, a private regional northern college mostly focused on military programs. ^[10]

Bally has worked at Stellantis, FCA India Automobiles, American Axle and Manufacturing, Inc., and other companies in similar roles, holding the same title he did at Campbell's, Chief information security officer, at Stellantis.

References

1. "Campbell's Soup VP mocks 'poor people' who buy its food in secret recording". Newsweek. 24 November 2025. Retrieved 25 November 2025.
2. Patridge, Joanna (27 November 2025). "Soup firm Campbell's dismisses executive over alleged 'poor people' comments". The Guardian. Retrieved 27 November 2025.
3. Erickson, Erika (25 November 2025). "Campbell Soup VP on leave after rant about customers, 'bioengineered meat' caught on recording". WDIV. Retrieved 25 November 2025.
4. Bonn, Tess (27 January 2025). "Is Lab-Grown Meat the Future?". Katie Couric Media. Retrieved 25 November 2025.
5. "FDA Has Approved Lab-Grown Meat—Here's How It's Made". Health. Retrieved 25 November 2025.
6. DeBlasio, Isaac (19 August 2025). "What's really behind state bans on lab-grown meat?". The Hill. Archived from the original on 7 October 2025. Retrieved 25 November 2025.
7. Erickson, Erika (25 November 2025). "Campbell Soup VP on leave after rant about customers, 'bioengineered meat' caught on recording". WDIV. Retrieved 25 November 2025.
8. Roy, Madhurima (24 November 2025). "Who is Martin Bally and what did the Campbell's soup VP say? Bioengineered meat controversy explained as poor people remark sparks backlash". primetimer.com. Retrieved 25 November 2025.
9. "Martin Bally - Executive Bio, Work History, and Contacts - Equilar ExecAtlas". people.equilar.com. Retrieved 25 November 2025.
10. "Welcome to Norwich University". www.norwich.edu. Retrieved 25 November 2025.