ARDEN HILLS, Minn. -- Chris Policinski, CEO of Land O’Lakes Inc., is retiring after leading the farmer-owned cooperative for the past 13 years. Peter Janzen, senior vice president, general counsel and chief administrative officer of the company, will step in June 30 as interim CEO while the board finds a permanent replacement.
"It's been a privilege to help lead Land O'Lakes through a period of growth and innovation," Policinski said. "My deepest thanks go to the members and employees who have made our success possible and who have created the opportunities ahead."
Policinski's experience in the food industry spans nearly 40 years. Since joining Land O’Lakes in 2005, he has led the company’s global expansion in South Africa and Kenya, helped complete its merger with United Suppliers—the largest in company history—and has steered Land O'Lakes' investment with Minnesota’s communities. Prior to joining Land O’Lakes, he worked with Kraft General Foods, Bristol-Myers Squibb and The Pillsbury Co.
Janzen, who postponed his own retirement to assist with the board’s leadership succession plan, has been with Land O’Lakes since entering the food industry in 1983.
Arden Hills, Minn.-based Land O'Lakes is a national farmer-owned food and agricultural cooperative. The company is one of the largest producers of butter and cheese in the United States.
Photos courtesy of Land O'Lakes.
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