John Bennett (left) and Tom Brigham

Oakhurst Dairy said that John H. Bennett and Thomas A. Brigham will be named co-presidents of the company following a meeting of the board of directors in April. As originally planned, President and CEO William P. Bennett plans to transition from day-to-day operations but will maintain an active role in the company’s management as Chairman of the Board.

John Bennett is the third brother in the third generation of the Bennett family and the company’s current executive vice president and chief operating officer. Brigham is executive vice president and chief financial officer.

Oakhurst Dairy is the largest dairy in Maine and the largest family-owned, independent dairy in northern New England. It ranks 77th on the Dairy 100, Dairy Foods’ annual list of North America’s largest dairy processors. Earlier this month, Oakhurst Dairy was honored for its sustainability efforts by the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy.

 “My brother Bill’s longstanding plan to transition from day-to-day operations this year allowed us to develop a unique and innovative leadership structure that best positions Oakhurst for continued success and growth,” said John Bennett. “Our family could not be more pleased to elevate Tom Brigham to the role of Co-President. Tom is a highly trusted and valued colleague who has been a member of the Oakhurst senior leadership team for more than 16 years. Together, we bring a collective strength and expertise that will allow us to continue to take the company forward.”

Bill Bennett with an award for sustainable business practices.

For 90 years and three generations, the Bennett family has owned, managed and operated Oakhurst Dairy and they will continue to do so. Over the last year, following the death of Stanley T. Bennett, II, who served as President and Chief Executive Officer for nearly 30 years, brothers Bill and John Bennett have worked closely together to run the company.

John Bennett joined the dairy in 2004 as Vice President of Sales and Marketing after owning and operating a successful wholesale seafood business on Portland’s waterfront. During John’s tenure at Oakhurst, he has managed multiple areas of the business, and most recently served as the company’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.

Tom Brigham brings more than 25 years of senior financial management experience in food-related businesses and has been responsible for all accounting and finance functions at Oakhurst since joining the company in 1995. He has been an integral member of the senior leadership team and most recently served as the company’s Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer.

About Oakhurst Dairy
Oakhurst is northern New England’s truly local brand of milk. As the region’s largest independent family-owned dairy company, Oakhurst is committed to the health and wellbeing of the community and the environment. For 90 years and three generations, the Bennett family has stood behind every glass of Oakhurst milk, while contributing 10% of profits to local organizations through their Living Natural Goodness program to support healthy kids and a healthy environment – just another reason to choose Oakhurst, The Natural Goodness of Maine. For more information, visit www.oakhurstdairy.com.