The information below has been supplied by dairy marketers and other industry organizations. It has not been edited, verified or endorsed by Hoard’s Dairyman.

California Dairies, Inc. (CDI), announced today the appointment of Brad Anderson as Chief Operating Officer (COO). In this role, Anderson will be a key member of the executive leadership team and will oversee the day-to-day operations of CDI’s core commodity businesses, and will champion the integration of a sustainable strategy that will progress the cooperatives' performance over a multi-year horizon. Based at CDI’s corporate headquarters in Visalia, California, he will report to Andrei Mikhalevsky, president and CEO.

With more than 25 years of consumer products experience, Anderson brings with him an extensive background in corporate strategy and an expertise in commercial sales in the food and beverage industry. His most recent role was senior vice president and chief sales officer at the largest fluid milk processor in the U.S., Dean Foods®. Prior to his time at Dean Foods, Anderson has held positions of increasing responsibility at Sara Lee Corporation, Pepsi Bottling Group and Earthgrains Company. As an active member in the industry, he recently served as the Board Chairman of MilkPEP.

Anderson holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Georgia.

“California Dairies, Inc. could not be more excited to have Brad join our executive management team,” said Mikhalevsky. “Anderson has extensive knowledge of our industry, and a proven track record at succeeding in business. He will be a strong addition to our team and will be able to assist us in capitalizing on a number of exciting future opportunities that will grow our business. We are confident he will continue to guide us towards our vision of becoming the leading source of dairy nutrition for a healthy world.”

Commenting on his appointment, Anderson said, “I am honored to have the opportunity to serve at this great cooperative. I look forward to working closely with the strong leadership team in place and to have the opportunity to work with the tremendous member-owners of CDI. Together, we will work as a team to lead CDI to a stronger tomorrow.”

Anderson began his tenure at CDI on Monday, September 10.

About California Dairies, Inc.
California Dairies, Inc. is the largest member-owned milk marketing and processing cooperative in California producing 42 percent of California’s milk. Co-owned by more than 400 dairy producers who ship 16 billion pounds of Real California Milk annually, California Dairies, Inc. is a manufacturer of quality butter, cream cheese, fluid milk products and milk powders. In addition, California Dairies, Inc. is the home of two leading and well-respected brands of butter – Challenge and Danish Creamery. California Dairies’ quality dairy products are available in all 50 United States and in more than 50 foreign countries. For additional information on California Dairies, Inc., visit www.californiadairies.com.