After two years with Dean Foods, Ralph Scozzafava, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, will succeed Gregg A. Turner as Chief Executive Officer, effective January 1, 2017.
Scozzafava joined Dean Foods in October 2014 as Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer before being promoted to Chief Operating Officer in October 2015.
"This announced transition is the culmination of our succession planning efforts, and the Board is confident that Ralph–supported by Dean Foods' experienced management team–is the right leader for the company's continued success and growth," said Jim Turner, Non-Executive Chairman of the Board, in a press release.
With more than 30 years experience in the consumer goods and grocery categories, Scozzafava's resume includes Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company and Campbell Soup Company, which the company said would give him deep knowledge of organizational capabilities and improving operating results.
"Ralph is a passionate leader with a successful track record of growing businesses, driving efficiencies, and building strong teams," said Gregg Turner, CEO of Dean Foods. "I am confident in Ralph's and the team's ability to advance the business and deliver substantial shareholder value. I look forward to supporting Ralph in his new role and working to ensure a seamless transition."
In order to ensure a smooth transition, the company also announced that Turner will remain as an advisor to the company through the Annual Stockholders Meeting in May, 2017.
