WestFarm Foods names John Underwood as CEO

Rural Cooperatives, Nov-Dec, 2004 by Dan Campbell

John Underwood has been named president and CEO of WestFarm Foods, the $1.3 billion dairy, products manufacturing and marketing arm of Northwest Dairy, Association (NDA), the fourth largest dairy co-op in the nation, with 700 dairy farm members in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and California. NDA Board Chairman Rod DeJong says Underwood's knowledge of the company and industry, his leadership skills and his performance during his tenure as interim CEO were key factors in the 14-person board's unanimous decision. "John exemplifies the leadership skills our members want running this company," he said. "He has gained the confidence of the members, as well as our customers, suppliers and employees."

Underwood has 22 years of experience with WestFarm Foods and served as Interim CEO since April 1, 2004. In his most recent prior position, as senior vice president of the ingredients Division, he led worldwide sales and marketing initiatives for the company's bulk cheese, bulk butter and milk powder products that generate nearly 60 percent of the company's revenue.

Previously Mr. Underwood led operations at 12 milk processing facilities in four Western states; overseen multimillion dollar capital improvement projects, from initial design through startup; raised manufacturing efficiencies and productivity; and introduced state-of-the-art manufacturing processes.