Why Land O'Lakes CEO Beth Ford Drinks Chocolate Milk for Breakfast — Women in Charge

Beth Ford is a powerhouse. In her 31-year career she's worked as a leader in many different industries (chemicals! Publishing!), and today it was announced that she's been named CEO and President of America's leading butter company: Land O'Lakes. Ford has worked at Land O'Lakes since 2011 and was previously the COO. She will assume her new position on August 1.

"I really have a passion for this business," Ford says of the company. "Enabling the farmer, feeding a growing population with fewer resources — it's meaningful work."

The truth is there aren't a lot of women in leadership positions in consumer package goods companies across America (but the ones who do exist are total rockstars), so Ford is a particularly refreshing face amongst her peers. And with Land O'Lakes' impressive 13.7 billion in revenue in 2017, it's safe to say she's doing big things. For example, last year under her guidance the dairy and agriculture cooperative acquired Vermont Creamery (you guys, their cheese is delicious).

I talked to Ford about the future of dairy, how the consumer's needs have changed, and what she eats (or I should say drinks) for breakfast.

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