Darigold chairman Allan Huttema takes the helm as interim CEO
Source: The DairyNews
In a strategic shift, Darigold, Inc., one of the leading U.S. dairy producers, bids farewell to CEO Joe Coote, who is set to return to Australia. Stepping into the interim CEO role is board chairman Allan Huttema, a seasoned figure with deep roots in Darigold's operations.
Huttema, a longstanding member of Darigold's Board of Directors and a dairyman in Idaho, expressed confidence in the capable leadership team already in place. "Our business is structured to run around two divisions – business to business and business to consumer – each with experienced, proven leaders running them. I have full confidence that the team and the structure we have in place will help ensure that we continue serving our customers in the way they have come to expect from us."
Darigold, a major player in the U.S. dairy landscape, is in the midst of a multi-year transformation journey, aiming to modernize and globalize its business. This includes expanding production capacity with a new facility in Pasco, Wash., upgrading systems, reinvesting in its 100-year-old brand, and fostering a culture centered on excellence in execution.
Joe Coote, who took on the role of CEO in January 2022, played a pivotal role in advancing the company's transformation efforts. Huttema acknowledged Coote's contributions, stating, "Under his leadership, we took significant steps forward on that effort, beginning construction of our new facility in Pasco, launching a migration of our business management systems, and beginning to develop a culture rooted in excellence in operations."
Huttema's unique perspective as one of Darigold's 300 farmer-owners, coupled with his extensive tenure on the Board, positions him well for the interim CEO role. Recent appointments, including Presidents for the Business to Consumer and Business to Business divisions, along with strategic hires in leadership positions, demonstrate Darigold's commitment to strengthening its leadership team.
Reflecting on his time as CEO, Coote expressed gratitude, saying, "Serving as CEO of Darigold the last two years was a great privilege. I have enormous respect and admiration for our farmer-owners and the teams across our business that work so hard to keep our customers stocked with great, high-quality dairy products."
As Darigold continues its transformative journey, Huttema assumes the responsibilities of interim CEO effective immediately, bringing his wealth of experience and understanding of the company's intricate operations to guide it through this transition.
Darigold, a major player in the U.S. dairy landscape, is in the midst of a multi-year transformation journey, aiming to modernize and globalize its business. This includes expanding production capacity with a new facility in Pasco, Wash., upgrading systems, reinvesting in its 100-year-old brand, and fostering a culture centered on excellence in execution.
Joe Coote, who took on the role of CEO in January 2022, played a pivotal role in advancing the company's transformation efforts. Huttema acknowledged Coote's contributions, stating, "Under his leadership, we took significant steps forward on that effort, beginning construction of our new facility in Pasco, launching a migration of our business management systems, and beginning to develop a culture rooted in excellence in operations."
Huttema's unique perspective as one of Darigold's 300 farmer-owners, coupled with his extensive tenure on the Board, positions him well for the interim CEO role. Recent appointments, including Presidents for the Business to Consumer and Business to Business divisions, along with strategic hires in leadership positions, demonstrate Darigold's commitment to strengthening its leadership team.
Reflecting on his time as CEO, Coote expressed gratitude, saying, "Serving as CEO of Darigold the last two years was a great privilege. I have enormous respect and admiration for our farmer-owners and the teams across our business that work so hard to keep our customers stocked with great, high-quality dairy products."
As Darigold continues its transformative journey, Huttema assumes the responsibilities of interim CEO effective immediately, bringing his wealth of experience and understanding of the company's intricate operations to guide it through this transition.
