MIDDLETON, WIS. — Midwest dairy cooperative Foremost Farms USA announced the resignation of president and chief executive officer Greg Schlafer, effective April 11.

Schlafer spent the past five-plus years leading the company, which credited him with restoring Foremost Farms’ performance and financial stability, sharing that he “guided the cooperative from bank forbearance to lending group credibility.”

Foremost Farms chairman of the board Joel Eigenbrood said the cooperative will “move forward thoughtfully” as it searches for Schlafer’s successor.

“Under Greg’s leadership, Foremost Farms made remarkable strides that turned the business around for a positive impact in our future,” Eigenbrood said. “He built a strong team that will continue to streamline our network and drive efficiencies in our systems, and we are grateful for his leadership.”

The cooperative said Schlafer transformed Foremost Farms, strengthening its operational performance and prioritizing investments in people, plants, processes and technology, as well as establishing a new headquarters in Middleton, Wis.

Said Schlafer: “I was invited to Foremost Farms to restore a proud organization and membership, and I’m proud we’re back on the right path. Dairy is a challenging industry, unlike any other, and it has been an honor to work alongside talented people that value working as one team, from the board room to the plant floors. They have all supported and driven necessary changes to create value for the dairy farm families we serve.” 

Foremost Farms said it will provide updates on the search for its next CEO as they become available.