SEATTLE – Darigold announced the creation of a new position, chief transformation officer, and promoted chief information officer Richard Scheitler to the role.

The farmer-owned cooperative shared that it is pursuing several initiatives involving global expansion and modernization.

"No business survives for more than 100 years without demonstrating the ability to adapt to changing environments and dynamics," said Joe Coote, Darigold’s chief executive officer. "We are fortunate to be in a growth industry, to have a beloved heritage brand and supportive farmer-owners who are willing to make the necessary investments to ensure our success well into the future. But realizing that success also means doing the work that's necessary for our own evolution as a business. Richard is the right person to lead those efforts at Darigold."

Scheitler first began working as CIO for the Seattle-based marketing and processing subsidiary of the Northwest Dairy Association in 2019. He previously worked as CIO for The Wonderful Company. Earlier in his career, he worked for 10 years at KPMG Consulting/BearingPoint, helping businesses make strategic transformations.

He graduated from the George Washington University School of Business and Public Management, earning a bachelor's degree, as well as a master’s in information systems technology.

Coote described Scheitler as “a proven leader” who drives successful business transformations.

"Since joining our co-op three years ago, he has made considerable progress transforming our technology infrastructure and earned the respect of our board of directors, our senior leadership team and employees across the organization,” Coote said. “I'm confident that he is the right person to lead these key aspects of our transformation."

Darigold produces dairy products for retail, foodservice, commodity and specialty markets, and operates 11 plants in the Northwest.