Dean Foods Names Joseph Scalzo President and Chief Operating Officer

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 & Development.

Aug 24 2010 --- Dean Foods, a leading dairy company in the United States and a global leader in soy products, has announced that Joseph Scalzo, currently Chief Operating Officer (COO), 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 & 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.