Hilmar Cheese Company, a leading global producer of natural American cheese and whey ingredients, announces CEO David Ahlem’s upcoming transition after nearly a decade of leadership.
Hilmar Cheese Company, Inc., a prominent global producer of natural American cheese and whey ingredients based in California, has announced that CEO David Ahlem will be stepping down from his position early next year after nearly a decade of leadership and 21 years with the organization. Under Ahlem’s stewardship, Hilmar has experienced substantial growth and success in the dairy industry, solidifying its status as a leading manufacturer of cheese and whey products.
Reflecting on his tenure at Hilmar, Ahlem expressed heartfelt gratitude for his experiences and the relationships he has built over the years. “I’ve had the privilege of working with an incredible group of owners, employees, and dairy farmers over the past 21 years,” he stated. “I am proud of what we have accomplished together.”
Chairman of the Board Jim Ahlem, who is also David’s brother, acknowledged the significant impact David has had on the company. He remarked, “We are grateful for David’s leadership, under which Hilmar has grown to become a leading producer of cheese and whey ingredients worldwide. We are pleased that he will continue to share his insights with us as a Board Advisor next year.”
In preparation for this transition, the Hilmar Board of Directors began a search for a new CEO two months ago, evaluating both internal and external candidates. The company anticipates appointing a successor by early next year. Jim Ahlem emphasized, “We are committed to ensuring a smooth transition and are confident that our next leader will continue driving Hilmar’s vision to be the best in the world at producing functional cheese and whey ingredients at scale.”
David Ahlem attributed Hilmar’s long-term success to what he describes as an “exceptional” company culture, often referred to as “The Hilmar Way.” This culture emphasizes collaboration among employees, owners, dairy farmers, and customers alike. “Hilmar is bigger than any one person,” he commented. “We have achieved significant milestones over the last decade, solidifying our position as a global leader in the dairy market. I look forward to seeing Hilmar’s forward momentum continue.”
As the company prepares for this leadership change, the dairy industry is keenly watching how Hilmar Cheese Company will navigate this transition while maintaining its commitment to quality and innovation in dairy production.
