BARABOO, WIS. — Greg Schlafer has been named president and chief executive officer of Foremost Farms USA, a dairy cooperative that manufactures cheese, butter and dairy ingredients, effective Dec. 2. He replaces Michael Doyle, who is retiring.

Mr. Schlafer most recently was vice-president of sales and marketing for the J.R. Simplot Co.’s food group. Previously, he was president of Lamb Weston while it was under the ownership of Conagra Brands.

“This is a time of change and innovation at our cooperative,” said David Scheevel, chairman of the board. “We are implementing strategies to maximize our members’ milk solids with a focus on profitability. (Greg) brings a wealth of experience gained from a series of successful leadership roles at large food companies, including one with a dairy operation.”

Based in Baraboo, the Foremost Farms USA cooperative has 1,200 members located in Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana and Michigan. The company has seven cheese processing plants, three dairy ingredient facilities and one butter manufacturing plant.