The American Dairy Products Institute (ADPI), a trade association representing manufacturers and marketers of dairy ingredients, announced the appointment of Blake Anderson as its new CEO. Anderson joins ADPI after a period of strong growth and significant progress in advancing the strategic goals of the association.

Anderson succeeds David L. Thomas, who announced his plans to retire earlier this year. Anderson will official take the helm of the organization on June 30, 2018.

"Blake brings a wealth of leadership, skill and character into our organization, and the ADPI board and I are confident that he is the right person to build on this momentum," said Jerry O'Dea, president of ADPI's board of directors. "He is a seasoned leader with significant experience across a range of ingredient and food categories and is well positioned to lead ADPI as we continue to evolve in line with the needs of the Institute and its membership."

Anderson has more than 30 years of experience in sales, marketing and business development working for leading ingredient and food manufactures. Most recently, he was senior vice president of new business development at California Dairies Inc. (CDI), overseeing the sales, marketing and business development and profit and loss responsibility for the cooperative’s global butter, processed fluids, cream cheese and nutritional powders business across all channels.

Prior to joining CDI, Anderson was the global director for premium ingredients and customer development for Fonterra, overseeing its ingredients operations in North America, Europe, North Asia (Japan and Korea), as well as managing relationships with global food companies. Prior to Fonterra, he spent 15-plus years in leadership positions in sales, marketing and business development for Symrise Inc., Dean Specialty Foods Group and Campbell Soup Co. 

"I am honored and excited about the opportunity to lead this exceptional organization," Anderson said. "ADPI is well-positioned to continue the outstanding growth achieved over the years under Dave Thomas's leadership, and I look forward to working closely with the board and the entire ADPI membership."