USA – Tillamook County Creamery Association (TCCA) is undergoing a leadership transition as its president and CEO, Patrick Criteser, has announced his decision to step down later this year.
Meanwhile, the board of directors has chosen David Booth, the current EVP of brand growth and commercialization, to succeed Criteser in the top role, in line with the dairy cooperative’s succession plan.
Having served as president and CEO for over a decade, Criteser leaves behind a legacy of steering the farmer-owned cooperative towards becoming a premium, multi-category, national dairy brand.
He will continue in his role until later this year, facilitating a smooth transition alongside Booth, who will assume the position of president immediately.
Acknowledging Criteser’s contributions, Shannon Lourenzo, chair of TCCA’s board, expressed gratitude for his leadership, which has propelled the company to a US$1.3 billion business with a significant market presence across American households.
Booth, who joined TCCA in 2015, brings a wealth of experience in sales, marketing, and category growth, along with a robust executive background spanning nearly three decades.
His strategic initiatives have played a pivotal role in expanding Tillamook’s reach and market share, forging strong partnerships with retailers nationwide.
In a statement, Criteser expressed confidence in Booth’s capabilities, affirming that the cooperative is well-positioned for future success under his leadership.
He emphasized that his decision to step down reflects the fulfillment of his objectives for the cooperative, thanking the board for their trust in selecting Booth as his successor.
“I have accomplished what I hoped to achieve for the farmer-owners of this amazing cooperative, so I’ve decided that the time is right for this transition,” he said.
“Serving in this role has been the greatest honour of my professional career, and I am absolutely certain that our board has chosen the right person to succeed me in David.”
Looking ahead, Booth is committed to advancing TCCA’s growth trajectory, strengthening partnerships with farmer-owners, and fostering opportunities for employee advancement.
His appointment marks a new chapter for Tillamook as it continues to innovate and positively impact communities across the US.
As Booth prepares to assume the full president and CEO role, both he and Criteser are dedicated to ensuring a seamless transition, underscoring their shared commitment to TCCA’s mission and values.
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