Howard Dean retires

Dairy Field, May 2002

Howard M. Dean has retired as chairman of Dean Foods Co. Dean was employed by the leading dairy for 37 years, serving as president from 1970 to 1988 and chairman and chief executive from 1988 through 2001. The firm was named after his grandfather, Samuel E. Dean, who founded it in 1925.

In December 2001, Dean Foods, then the nation's second-largest dairy, based in Franklin Park, Ill., and rival Suiza Foods Corp. completed their $1.7 billion cash-and-stock merger into Dean Foods, now based in Dallas.

"I am looking forward to an active retirement, and I wish the new Dean Foods Company success as it continues to grow and prosper as a major food and beverage company," says Dean.

Gregg Engles, who succeeded Dean as chief executive officer this year, will take over as chairman. Engles was chairman and chief executive officer of Suiza prior to becoming CEO of the combined company.