David Ahlem serves as Board Advisor for the Hilmar Cheese Company, Inc. Board of Directors. Prior to his retirement in 2025, Ahlem led as the Chief Executive Officer and President for the company since September 1, 2015. He came to Hilmar in 2004 and has functioned in several leadership roles, which have deepened his passion for the dairy business and expanded his experience. His expertise includes dairy policy, strategic management, and customer relations.
A proactive member of the dairy industry, Ahlem has participated with leadership peers in a variety of associations. He served as Immediate Past Chair of the International Dairy Foods Association Executive Council, and as a board member of the Innovation Center for US Dairy and the Dairy Institute of California. Ahlem was also an active participant in several other industry-related groups.
Ahlem was born and raised in California’s Central Valley where his involvement in the dairy industry began on his family’s dairy farm in Hilmar, California. He attended Westmont College, earning a B.A. in Philosophy and later earned an M.B.A from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.
David and his wife, Cari, have four children and reside in Turlock, California.
