“The board spent a great deal of time interviewing and vetting many qualified candidates for this position and Greg stood out among them,” said Jim Ahlem, chairman of the board.

“He brings extensive experience in cheese and ingredients markets, working with dairy farm families and an impressive leadership style that is a good fit for the Hilmar culture.”

Late last year, the company announced that CEO David Ahlem would step down from his role after almost 10 years at the helm and 22 years with the company. He will continue to work with the company in a board advisor role.

Schlafer earned his MBA from UCLA’s Anderson School of Management and his undergraduate degree from the University of Minnesota. He has served on the board of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, the National Milk Producers Federation and the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy.  Greg is also passionate about food security and education and has served on the board of Project SUCCESS and the North American Millers’ Association.

Prior to Foremost Farms, Schlafer was Vice President, Food Group Sales & Marketing at J.R. Simplot Company. Before that he served as President of Lamb Weston, a division of ConAgra Foods Inc. He also worked for General Mills as Vice President & General Manager, Bakeries & Foodservice Division.

“I have long admired Hilmar Cheese Company, a market leader in the cheese and ingredients space, for their vision, growth and sharp focus on technology and innovation,” shared Schlafer. 

“David’s stewardship of the company these past ten years has been a true inspiration and I’m delighted to continue the journey to achieve Hilmar’s vision and build upon our great relationships with employees, owners, dairy farmers and customers.”

Schlafer will be only the third CEO in Hilmar’s 41-year history.