Brad Anderson serves as the president and chief executive officer of California Dairies, Inc. (CDI), the world’s largest manufacturer of non-fat dry milk, the largest producer of butter in the United States, and an exporter of finished dairy products to over 50 countries. To this role, he brings over 29 years of leadership and consumer goods experience, spanning several leading consumer products companies, and a passion for dairy nutrition.
Brad remains committed to CDI’s important and straightforward beliefs – we are stronger together, we do what is right, we take the lead, and we work hard - guide Brad in leading the Cooperative. Since taking the CDI helm in January 2020, Brad has led the Cooperative into growth mode, driven by investments in people, technology, and innovation.
Joining CDI in 2018, Brad served as the chief operating officer, cultivating a cohesive company structure and aligning strategy. Brad joined CDI from Dean Foods, where he worked for over eight years, most recently as senior vice president and chief sales officer. During his time at Dean Foods, Brad was active in the dairy industry, serving on the MilkPEP Board for six years in total and as Chairman of the Board for the last two years.
Brad is the Chairman of the Board of Challenge Dairy Products, Inc. and the DairyAmerica Board President. He also sits on the Board of Directors for the American Dairy Products Institute, U.S. Dairy Export Council, International Dairy Foods Association, and Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy.
Brad earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of Georgia. He resides in Visalia, California, with his wife, Patti, and children, Bailey and Jake.
