Global Dairy Platform Announces New Board Chairman

ROSEMONT, IL--(Marketwired - Dec 15, 2014) - Global Dairy Platform (GDP) is pleased to announce that the Board of Directors have appointed Royal FrieslandCampina Chief Executive Officer Cees t'Hart as chairman, becoming effective on 1 January 2015.

"I'm honored to be taking on the role of chairman at such an important time for the dairy sector," said Mr. t'Hart. "Since its founding in 2006, GDP has evolved into a truly global organization that has consistently demonstrated a unique ability to bring its diverse membership and deep expertise together to address key sector issues. Today, GDP's role and mission to support the dairy sector in promoting sustainable dairy nutrition is vital in ensuring that consumers around the world value milk and dairy products as naturally nutritious, enjoyable and an essential part of a healthy diet."

Mr. t'Hart will succeed Arla Foods Chief Executive Officer Peder Tuborgh, who has chaired the organization since 2011.

"It has been a great privilege to serve as GDP's chair," said Mr. Tuborgh. "The past four years have been a period of great change and progress for GDP, and I am proud to have played a part in it. GDP's work in research, education and advocacy remains an important resource for the sector."

Mr. Tuborgh will continue to serve on the board along with newly appointed Vice Chair Rick Smith, Chief Executive Officer, Dairy Farmers of America and Fonterra Chief Executive Officer Theo Spierings.

Additional governance members continue to serve are Operational Committee Chair Jay Waldvogel, Senior Vice President of Strategy and International Development, Dairy Farmers of America; Jacqueline Chow, Managing Director, Global Brands and Nutrition, Fonterra; Paul Cornillon, Senior Vice President, Research & Development, Arla; Dr. Jeremy Hill, President, International Dairy Federation; Jerry Kaminski, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Global Dairy Foods, Land O'Lakes; Thierry Philardeau, Head of Dairy Strategic Business Unit, Nestec; and Frank van Ooijen, Director of Sustainability and Corporate Communications, Royal FrieslandCampina.

About Global Dairy Platform
Established in 2006, GLOBAL DAIRY PLATFORM's mission is to align and support the dairy industry to promote sustainable dairy nutrition. Visit www.globaldairyplatform.com for more information.