The a2 Milk Company has appointed Blake Waltrip as CEO of its USA division, effective from May 1.
Mr Waltrip most recently was the CEO of Quinoa Corporation Inc, (The Ancient Harvest Brand) based in Boulder, Colorado. His previous roles have included VP and CMO of the beverage division of the Hain Celestial Group; managing partner of a marketing services and strategy group, Growth Ventures; and an earlier extensive marketing career with Nestle USA beverage brands.
The company said Mr Waltrip’s appointment has the support of the current CEO Jeff O’Neill who is stepping down for personal health reasons but will continue his association with the company as a director of its USA Advisory Board.
The a2 Milk Company is the leading premium fresh milk brand in Australian supermarkets, with a grocery value market share of approximately 9 per cent (as at December 2015). Recently the company launched a2 PLATINUM infant formula and new dairy products including cream, whole milk powder and ice cream.
The a2 Milk brand commenced its launch into the world’s largest dairy market – the USA – following a successful brand debut at the Natural Products Expo in Anaheim California in March 2015.