Business News
Michelle Goolsby, EVP, Development, Sustainability and Corporate Affairs, to Leave Dean Foods
Monday 30. June 2008 - Steven J. Kemps Promoted to EVP, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary
Dean Foods Company (NYSE:DF) announced today that Michelle Goolsby, EVP Development, Sustainability and Corporate Affairs, will be leaving her position August 1. She will continue in an advisory role for a period of time to ensure a smooth transition.
“Michelle has been instrumental in building Dean Foods into the company it is today in size, capability and reputation,” said Gregg Engles, Chairman and CEO. “For the past 10 years, we have had the privilege of drawing upon Michelle’s experience, judgment and many talents.” Added Engles, “I would like to thank her personally for her invaluable contributions and her efforts to position our organization for future success. As a result of her hard work, she is leaving a company rich with heritage and full of promise.”
Goolsby joined the Company in 1998 and has been responsible for Dean Foods corporate development activities, government relations, corporate affairs, legal activities and sustainable business initiatives. Goolsby is also Chair-Elect of The Organic Center, a nonprofit organization focused on promoting scientific research proving the benefits of organic products. Goolsby is a Founding Member of The Center for Women in Law at The University of Texas School of Law and serves as a Trustee of The University of Texas Law School Foundation.
Goolsby’s corporate development responsibilities will be assumed by Jack Callahan, Chief Financial Officer. The Company intends to conduct a search for a new executive officer to head Public Affairs, including its sustainability initiatives.
Moving forward, Steven J. Kemps, 44, SVP, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, will be promoted to EVP, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, and will report directly to Engles. “Over the past two years, Steve has quickly learned our industry and proven himself to be a valuable business partner and a very capable leader,” said Engles.
Kemps joined Dean Foods as Deputy General Counsel in February 2006 and was promoted to General Counsel and Corporate Secretary in January 2008. From 1997 to 2006, Kemps held various positions of increasing responsibility in the legal department at Kimberly-Clark. In previous roles, he was an attorney with the law firm of Dorsey & Whitney and served as a clerk to a federal judge. Kemps is also a CPA and worked with KPMG.