USA – Dean Foods, America’s leading food and beverage manufacturer has appointed Eric Beringause as the company’s new President and Chief Executive Officer effective July 29, 2019.

Eric who will also join the Dean Foods Board of Directors as a member, succeeds Ralph Scozzafava, who has stepped down as CEO and resigned from his position on the Board.

“We believe Eric is the right leader to drive the transformation of the business as the Company continues to execute on its enterprise-wide cost productivity plan and its previously announced exploration of strategic alternatives,” said Jim Turner, Non-Executive Chairman of the Dean Foods Board.

“He has a long track record of creating value in dairy and consumer products companies, as well as a unique combination of turnaround and operational expertise.”

He has 30 years of experience in the food, beverage and consumer products industries, having served in various leadership and operational roles.

Prior to his appointment, Eric was CEO of Gehl Foods, LLC, a market-leading producer of dairy-based beverages and food products.

He had also served as CEO of Advanced Refreshment LLC, one of the largest U.S. producers of private-label bottled water and water-based beverages, and as CEO of Sturm Foods, Inc., a leader in private-label food products, specialty food brands and contract manufacturing.

He previously worked at Alcoa Consumer Products, Gerber Infant & Baby Products, ConAgra, Inc./Grist Mill, Nestle, Inc., Nabisco Brands and The Pillsbury Company.

“I am honored to join Dean Foods at this important juncture,” said Beringause.

“Dean Foods is the nation’s largest dairy processor and a leader in the industry, and I am excited to work with the Board and management team to leverage our scale and substantial assets to realize the significant opportunities available to transform our company.

“My top priority will be to ensure we have the right footprint and strategies in place to drive sustainable growth and profitability for the benefit of our shareholders, employees, customers and other stakeholders.”

In 2018, the company acquired a majority stake in flax seed based milk and yogurt alternatives brand, Good Karma Foods.