Dean Foods appoints new chief marketing officer

Dean Foods appoints new chief marketing officer

US-based food and beverage manufacturer Dean Foods Company has appointed Rick Zuroweste as chief marketing officer of its dairy group, effective September 17.

Reporting to Gregg Engles, chairman and CEO, he will provide strategic leadership for the dairy group's portfolio of brands and lead the development of new product offerings within that portfolio.

Mr Zuroweste has over 23 years of experience in the food and beverage industry. For the past nine years, he worked with The Coca-Cola Company in progressive marketing roles, and held the position of group director for the Coca-Cola brands. While at Coca-Cola, Mr Zuroweste also led marketing and innovation for the Dasani water brand and Minute Maid's Shelf Stable Juices and Orange Juice. Prior to joining Coca-Cola, he held positions of increasing responsibility with Sara Lee's Hillshire Farm brand, Ralston Purina's Children's Foods Group and Continental Baking, as well as Hasbro's Toy Group.

Mr Engles said: "As a seasoned marketing executive in the food industry, Rick brings a wealth of experience and deep expertise to the dairy group. As we begin to coordinate and bring consistency to our marketing efforts across the country, Rick's record of success in the beverage industry will serve us well."