Dean Foods names Scalzo president and chief operating officer

Dean Foods, a leading dairy company in the United States and a global leader in soy products, on August 24 announced that Joseph Scalzo, currently chief operating officer, has been promoted to president and chief operating officer, effective immediately. In this role, Scalzo, 52, will oversee Dean Foods operational turnaround and near-term strategic initiatives, as well as its business units and key functions, including Fresh Dairy Direct, Morningstar, WhiteWave, Alpro, worldwide supply chain, and research and development.

"Since I named Joe chief operating officer late last year, I have been impressed by his quick and thorough analysis of the business and the depth and breadth of mission-critical initiatives that are underway," said Gregg Engles, chairman of the board and chief executive officer. "In this short time frame, we have benefitted greatly from his ability to build teams and establish a turnaround mindset."

Added Engles, "Joe has focused on getting us organized around the fewer, bigger initiatives that can extend our low cost position in a meaningful way. With Joe's leadership, we are moving forward aggressively to advance our turnaround, and position Dean Foods for a strong future. This promotion is in recognition of what he has accomplished."

Said Scalzo, "I am impressed by the professionalism and optimism of the Dean Foods organization. The people of Dean Foods are willing to roll up their sleeves and commit whole-heartedly to the work at hand. I continue to be honored to work with this group of talented people."

Scalzo continues to focus on operating Dean Foods businesses and turnaround. He has primary responsibility for the profitability and growth of all Dean Foods operating units, for developing and driving the three-year strategic growth plans, and has oversight for all of the company's functional teams.

Scalzo's track record of successful turnarounds spans numerous companies including Gillette's Global Personal Care Division and Dean Foods WhiteWave Foods Company. At WhiteWave, he transformed three separate businesses into a single winning company that involved implementing SAP, moving from a brokered sales force to a stronger, in-house sales team, consolidating manufacturing from a host of co-packers to five state-of-the-art in-house facilities, and recruiting and developing world-class talent.

About Dean Foods
Dean Foods is one of the leading food and beverage companies in the United States and a European leader in branded soy foods and beverages. The company's Fresh Dairy Direct-Morningstar segment is the largest U.S. processor and distributor of milk, creamer, and cultured dairy products. These offerings are marketed under more than 50 local and regional dairy brands, as well as through private labels. The WhiteWave-Alpro segment produces and sells an array of branded dairy, soy and plant-based beverages and foods. WhiteWave brands, including Silk soy and almond milk, Horizon Organic milk and dairy products, International Delight coffee creamers, and LAND O'LAKES creamers, are category leaders and consumer favorites. Alpro is the pan-European leader in branded soy food products.