HILMAR, CALIF. — Cheese and whey manufacturer Hilmar introduced April 16 its next president and chief executive officer, former Foremost Farms USA CEO Greg Schlafer.
The leader at Foremost Farms the past five-plus years, Schlafer is set to officially begin in his new role at Hilmar on July 1, when he will become the third CEO in Hilmar’s 41 years doing business.
Hilmar announced in late 2024 that then-CEO David Ahlem would step down after leading the company for nearly a decade. Hilmar noted Ahlem will become a board advisor.
Jim Ahlem, chairman of Hilmar’s board, said Schlafer brings “extensive experience in cheese and ingredients markets” to the California-based company. He said Schlafer’s experience working with dairy farm families that are part of the Foremost Farms cooperative will be a good fit for Hilmar’s culture.
“The board spent a great deal of time interviewing and vetting many qualified candidates for this position, and Greg stood out among them,” Jim Ahlem said.
Before Schlafer’s time at Foremost Farms, his career path included roles as vice president, food group sales and marketing, J.R. Simplot Company; president, Lamb Weston (a division of Conagra Foods, Inc.); and vice president and general manager, bakeries and foodservice, General Mills.
Schlafer said he has long admired Hilmar, calling the company a market leader in cheese and ingredients that is known for its vision, growth and “sharp focus” on both tech and innovation.
“David’s stewardship of the company these past 10 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,” the incoming CEO said.
Hilmar noted that Schlafer also has served on boards for the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, National Milk Producers Federation and the Innovation Center for US Dairy. He earned his MBA from the Anderson School of Management at UCLA after receiving a bachelor's degree at the University of Minnesota.
