Aurora Organic Dairy, Boulder, Colo., said it named Scott McGinty CEO of the company. Marc Peperzak, founder, is assuming the new role of executive chairman.

McGinty brings 20 years of direct category experience and many varied perspectives to his role as CEO, the company said. After joining Aurora Organic Dairy at its inception to establish product distribution, he was asked to lead manufacturing and logistics in 2007. In 2010, he was named president with responsibility for strategic initiatives and operating results of the company.

McGinty has been involved with all aspects of the integrated dairy business, from capital projects and organic agriculture development to public policies affecting the organic and dairy industries. Prior to joining Aurora, he helped build the Horizon Organic Dairy brand, pioneering the category’s entry to the mainstream grocery market, Aurora Organic Dairy said.

“As president, Scott has been on a succession track for several years and has been assuming the duties of CEO, directly, over the last 18 months,” Peperzak said. “He has been an integral part of our senior leadership team since he joined the company in 2003, and I look forward to his leadership as CEO.”

Peperzak founded Aurora Dairy Corporation in 1976 in Jerome, Idaho, and moved the headquarters to Boulder in 1984. In the early 1990s, he co-founded Horizon Organic Dairy, for which Aurora began producing organic milk.

The company transitioned to a 100% organic dairy company in 2003. Since then, Aurora Organic Dairy said it has supported the conversion of more than 100,000 acres to organic agriculture, and has built a team of 700 dedicated employees. Peperzak had served as CEO since the company was founded.

McGinty said the company’s strategy is clear and unchanged.

“We are focused on building the strength of retailer organic brands from cow to carton,” he stated. “Our investments in the supply chain will offer our partners more product innovation and traceability than ever before.”

McGinty also credits Aurora Organic Dairy’s strong value system as a business advantage.

“When a talented group of people are this committed to each other, to organic stewardship and unwavering animal care, they have purpose that makes anything possible. I am humbled and proud to lead this team into the future,” he said.

As executive chairman, Peperzak will work directly with Aurora Organic Dairy’s senior leadership team in an advisory role, and will continue to serve as chairman of the board of directors.