ARDEN HILLS, MINN. — Chris Policinski , president and chief executive officer of Land O’Lakes, Inc. since 2005, has announced he will retire, effective June 30.
“It’s been a privilege to help lead Land O’Lakes through a period of growth and innovation,” Mr. Policinski said. “My deepest thanks go to the members and employees who have made our success possible and who have created the opportunities ahead.”
Mr. Policinski has nearly 40 years of experience in the food industry, and during his time at Land O’Lakes he helped the company double in size. He also oversaw global expansion with joint ventures in South Africa and Kenya, and he helped lead the biggest merger in the company’s history with United Suppliers in 2016.
Prior to joining Land O’Lakes, he held positions at Kraft General Foods, Bristol-Myers Squibb and The Pillsbury Co.
Land O’Lakes said it has engaged a search committee to identify a successor to Mr. Policinski. In the meantime, Peter Janzen has been named interim c.e.o. Mr. Janzen is senior vice-president, general counsel and chief administrative officer, and recently announced his intent to retire. A 35-year veteran of Land O’Lakes, Mr. Janzen will remain on board at the company until a permanent c.e.o. is hired, the company said.