Freese named CEO at Stonyfield; co-founder Hirshberg steps back
Stonyfield co-founder Gary Hirshberg said today he is stepping down as president and chief executive officer of Londonderry, N.H.-based yogurt brand, but will continue as chairman. Walt Freese, the former CEO of Ben & Jerry's Homemade Inc., will join the company as CEO (or CE-Yo as Stonyfield whimsically calls the post.) Freese had also served as president of Celestial Seasonings, a natural foods business in Boulder, Colo.
In a mass email sent to Dairy Foods and others, Hirshberg wrote: "I arrived at the farm 28-1/2 years ago and I am now 57 years old, so I have spent almost exactly half my life on this odyssey. And I am proud to say we have grown the company every single year, sometimes overcoming almost impossible odds. But despite a difficult economic climate, our delicious offerings and our mission of promoting healthy food, healthy people and a healthy planet have continued to resonate with millions. That combination of mission and "can do" attitude remains every bit as powerful today. I believe that Stonyfield has an extraordinary future ahead, and I look forward to helping the company meet its potential from this new role."