Darigold Strengthens Executive Team with New CFO and CHRO Appointments

Darigold's Executive Transition

Darigold, Inc., a prominent player in the U.S. dairy industry, has announced pivotal changes in its leadership team that signal a strategic shift toward reinforcing its business operations and human resources management. As part of this restructuring, Chris Rowe, who has previously headed Darigold's business-to-business division, has been appointed as the Interim Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Additionally, Dana Kennedy, a seasoned HR professional with a notable history at Darigold, is returning as the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO).

Chris Rowe: A Seasoned Dairy Industry Veteran

Chris Rowe brings a wealth of experience to his new role. Since joining Darigold in August 2023, he has overseen the firm’s global ingredients portfolio, catering to commercial customers. His background includes senior leadership positions at Fonterra, one of the world’s foremost dairy companies. Here, Rowe honed his skills in finance, operations, and strategic development. His academic credentials are equally impressive, with a Bachelor's degree in Commerce from the University of Auckland and a Master's degree focused on Accounting and Business Management from the University of Waikato.

Allan Huttema, President and CEO of Darigold, emphasized Rowe's capability, stating, "Chris has demonstrated himself to be a very capable leader since joining Darigold, earning the respect of our full senior team and board of directors. His first-hand knowledge of our business and broad experience in the global dairy industry makes him ideally suited for the CFO role, especially as we approach our fiscal year-end and the opening of a new production facility in Central Washington."

While undertaking the responsibilities of Interim CFO, Rowe will also continue to spearhead the B2B division, playing a crucial role in the company’s expansion strategy.

Dana Kennedy: A Return to Roots

On the other hand, Dana Kennedy’s return is being hailed as a vital acquisition for Darigold. Having served over eight years previously in various HR capacities, including Vice President of Labor Relations, Kennedy knows the inner workings of the company well. She has cultivated strong relationships across labor negotiations and has a consistent track record in HR management across manufacturing and food sectors.

Kennedy holds an Executive MBA from the University of Washington, which complements her extensive industry experience. Huttema expressed excitement regarding her return, noting the tremendous respect Kennedy garnered during her initial tenure at Darigold, particularly in negotiating contracts and fostering trust within leadership and operational teams.

The Future Ahead

Darigold, headquartered in Seattle, stands as a testament to American dairy production, processing approximately 10 billion pounds of milk annually and providing a range of dairy products across retail and food markets. The company is currently engaged in opening its 12th production facility in Central Washington, which is anticipated to boost its operational capacity further.

The appointments of Rowe and Kennedy come at a crucial time for the company as it strategically positions itself for future growth while ensuring stability and efficiency in its operations. This leadership transition is poised to enhance Darigold's ability to meet market demands and navigate challenges inherent in the dairy industry.

For more information about Darigold's offerings and updates on their strategic initiatives, visit Darigold.com.