Virginia Dare, D.D. Williamson and other suppliers announce new hires, promotions

Suppliers to the dairy industry announced promotions and new hires. Among companies making news are Virginia Dare, TricorBraun, Blommer Chocolate, D.D. Williamson and Takesago.

Virginia Dare Extract Co., Brooklyn, N.Y., appointed Robert J. Verdi as Business Director – Health & Wellness. He will be responsible for managing and developing the company’s health and wellness strategy and business.

TricorBraun, St. Louis, added two executives to its Global Business Development Group. Becky Donner, who is based in Chicago, will support the company’s regional and branch offices’ on international and domestic levels. Giuseppe (Joe) Mazzilli, located in the United Kingdom, is responsible for expanding TricorBraun’s European market and working with North American-based personnel to increase the company's exposure among its multi-national accounts.

Bob Rada is the new Regional Quality Assurance Manager at Blommer Chocolate Co., Chicago. He works in San Francisco.

D.D. Williamson, Louisville, Ky., promoted Greg Kreder to Director of Global Quality.

Takasago International Corp. (USA) Flavor Division, Rockleigh, N.J., appointed George Marinos as Manager, Flavor Applications for the Takasago Flavors division.

The Grocery Manufacturers Association presented the 2012 Industry Collaboration Leadership Award to Joe Sheridan, President and COO of Wakefern Food Corp. The award recognizes an industry leader who has demonstrated excellence in fostering collaboration among trading partners and programs throughout their career that better serve the consumer.