Walt Freese named Stonyfield CEO

LONDONDERRY, N.H. — Stonyfield has appointed a new chief executive.

The company announced that Walt Freese, CEO at Ben & Jerry's, will join Stonyfield later this month and will be overseeing the organic yogurt company, including such brands and product lines as Stonyfield's core organic yogurts, rapidly growing Organic Oikos Greek Yogurt, and popular product lines including YoBaby, YoToddler and YoKids.

The move comes as Stonyfield's current leader Gary Hirshberg will serve as chairman and shareholder as he becomes involved in advocating for change in national food and agriculture policies, including the labeling of genetically engineered foods.

"In Walt Freese, Stonyfield gains a leader with a stellar track record at another values-led company," Hirshberg said. "Walt is well versed in fostering a sustainability mission in partnership with a global food company, and is deeply committed to Stonyfield's organic and environmental missions. Since our early days at Stonyfield, I've watched organic become a $29 billion industry and a healthy mainstay in peoples' diets. Now more than ever, people want to know where their food comes from and to trust the companies behind the brands. I look forward to working with Walt to continue to grow Stonyfield and further our mission of promoting healthy food, healthy people and a healthy planet."