Hilmar CEO David Ahlem to step down in early 2025

USA – Cheese and whey manufacturer Hilmar Cheese Company has announced that its chief executive officer, David Ahlem, will step down from his role in early 2025. 

Ahlem, who has led the company for nearly a decade, will continue to serve as an advisor to the board of directors following his departure.

The search for Ahlem’s successor began two months ago, with Hilmar’s board considering both internal and external candidates. To ensure a smooth transition, the company aims to have the new CEO in place by early next year.

“I’ve had the privilege of working with an incredible group of owners, employees, and dairy farmers for the past 21 years,” said Ahlem. “I am proud of what we have accomplished together.”

Ahlem joined Hilmar in 2002 and has held various leadership roles within the company, culminating in his appointment as CEO in 2015.

Jim Ahlem, Hilmar’s chairman of the board, expressed gratitude for David’s leadership, noting the significant growth the company has experienced under his tenure. 

“David’s leadership has helped Hilmar become a leading producer of natural American cheese and whey ingredients worldwide,” Jim Ahlem said. 

He emphasized that the company’s vision remains intact: “to be the best in the world at efficiently producing functional cheese and whey ingredients at scale.”

David Ahlem reflected on Hilmar’s journey and company culture, noting its impact on the company’s continued success.

 “Hilmar is bigger than any one person. We have accomplished a great deal over the last decade, and I look forward to watching Hilmar’s forward momentum continue,” he said.

Under Ahlem’s leadership, Hilmar expanded its operations and completed several major projects. 

In December 2023, the company unveiled a state-of-the-art cheese and whey protein processing plant in Dodge City, Kansas. 

The facility, representing a US$600 million capital investment, sought to create 250 new jobs and enhance Hilmar’s capacity to serve its growing markets.

Ahlem also spearheaded Hilmar’s rebranding initiative in 2023, aligning the company’s identity with its expanding role in the global dairy market.

 “The new identity aligns with the company’s expanding role in the markets it serves,” Ahlem said during the rebranding announcement.

As part of its long-term strategy, Hilmar launched a strategic plan in 2019 to guide its growth over the coming years. 

The plan focused on three core areas: investing in people, improving operational excellence, and delivering products and solutions that excite customers. 

Ahlem noted that the plan built on the company’s culture and purpose, setting a bold vision for the future.

Hilmar Cheese Company, founded in 1984 by 12 dairy farm families in California’s Central Valley, is now one of the world’s largest producers of high-quality American-style cheese and whey products, serving customers in more than 50 countries. 

In addition to its facilities in California, Hilmar operates a production facility in Dalhart, Texas, and employs more than 1,500 people across both locations.

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