Leadership Overview
Bongards has 7 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, finance, and revenue generation.
Driven by a commitment to quality, Bongards is dedicated to supplying premium dairy products through a farmer-owned cooperative model, impacting the food industry with its extensive cheese and whey offerings.
Driven by a commitment to quality, Bongards is dedicated to supplying premium dairy products through a farmer-owned cooperative model, impacting the food industry with its extensive cheese and whey offerings.
Leadership Roles at Bongards
Mika Mooti - Chief Executive Officer
Mika Mooti, the Chief Executive Officer at Bongards, directs the overarching strategic vision and operational execution for the farmer-owned cooperative. This leadership role involves guiding the company's expansion in natural, processed, and imitation cream cheese, whey, and butter markets. The Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment with the co-op's founding principles and its commitment to delivering high-quality dairy products to consumers and business partners. Mika Mooti oversees all departmental functions, fostering an environment of innovation and efficiency across the organization. This executive drives the company's long-term growth trajectory, focusing on market penetration and sustained profitability. The Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities include managing stakeholder relationships and upholding the co-op's reputation for excellence in the food manufacturing sector. This critical position ensures Bongards maintains its competitive edge through strategic decision-making and proactive market engagement.
Daryl Larson - President & Chief Executive Officer
Daryl Larson, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Bongards, spearheads the strategic direction and operational management of the dairy cooperative. This executive guides the company's mission to produce and supply a comprehensive range of cream cheese, whey, and butter products. The President & Chief Executive Officer ensures that Bongards' operations, from sourcing to final product, adhere to the highest standards of quality and sustainability. Daryl Larson oversees the integration of new technologies and processes to enhance production efficiency and product innovation. This leadership role involves fostering strong relationships with farmer-owners and key industry partners, driving collaborative growth. The President & Chief Executive Officer's focus extends to expanding market reach and strengthening Bongards' position as a leading cheese supplier. By championing operational excellence, Larson ensures the co-op's continued success and its contribution to the food industry.
Dennis Thomas - President and Chief Executive Officer At Bongards Premium Cheese
Dennis Thomas, the President and Chief Executive Officer At Bongards Premium Cheese, commands the strategic leadership and operational oversight for the premium cheese division. This executive directs the development and expansion of Bongards' natural, processed, and imitation cream cheese offerings, ensuring superior product quality and market competitiveness. The President and Chief Executive Officer At Bongards Premium Cheese cultivates key relationships with distributors and retail partners, driving sales growth and market penetration. Dennis Thomas oversees all facets of the premium cheese business, from product innovation to supply chain management, ensuring seamless execution. This leadership position involves championing the co-op's commitment to excellence and farmer-owner value. Thomas's strategic initiatives focus on enhancing brand reputation and expanding the portfolio of premium dairy products. The President and Chief Executive Officer At Bongards Premium Cheese ensures operational efficiency and financial performance, solidifying Bongards' standing in the competitive food sector.
Christopher Freeman - Chief Financial Officer
Christopher Freeman, the Chief Financial Officer at Bongards, manages the financial health and strategic fiscal planning for the farmer-owned cooperative. This executive oversees all financial operations, including accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting, ensuring robust fiscal management. The Chief Financial Officer plays a crucial role in analyzing market trends and economic conditions to inform investment strategies and optimize resource allocation across the production of cream cheese, whey, and butter. Christopher Freeman guides the financial aspects of expansion initiatives and operational improvements, ensuring profitability and sustainable growth. This leadership position involves managing relationships with financial institutions and stakeholders, securing capital, and maintaining financial compliance. Freeman's expertise is vital in driving financial performance and supporting the co-op's long-term objectives. The Chief Financial Officer ensures fiscal discipline and strategic financial decision-making, underpinning Bongards' stability and market position.
Justin Larson - Chief Operating Officer
Justin Larson, the Chief Operating Officer at Bongards, directs the day-to-day operational activities and production processes for the dairy cooperative. This executive is responsible for optimizing the manufacturing of natural, processed, and imitation cream cheese, whey, and butter, ensuring efficiency and quality control across all facilities. The Chief Operating Officer oversees supply chain management, logistics, and inventory, guaranteeing timely delivery and cost-effectiveness. Justin Larson implements operational strategies to enhance productivity and streamline workflows, supporting the company's growth objectives. This leadership role involves managing plant operations and ensuring adherence to safety and regulatory standards. Larson's focus is on driving operational excellence and fostering a culture of continuous improvement within the production teams. The Chief Operating Officer ensures that Bongards' manufacturing capabilities effectively meet market demand and uphold the co-op's reputation for reliable product supply.
Keith Grove - President
Keith Grove, the President at Bongards, provides executive leadership and strategic oversight for key operational areas within the dairy cooperative. This executive focuses on driving operational efficiency and enhancing the production of high-quality cream cheese, whey, and butter. The President ensures that Bongards' manufacturing processes align with industry best practices and regulatory requirements. Keith Grove plays a vital role in managing relationships with suppliers and stakeholders, fostering collaborative partnerships that support the co-op's mission. This leadership position involves contributing to strategic planning and decision-making processes, ensuring the company's sustained growth and market competitiveness. Grove's responsibilities include overseeing specific business units and driving performance improvements. The President champions initiatives that enhance product quality and operational excellence, reinforcing Bongards' position as a trusted dairy supplier.
Scott Tomes - Chief Revenue Officer & Board Member
Scott Tomes, the Chief Revenue Officer & Board Member at Bongards, spearheads the revenue generation strategies and commercial growth initiatives for the farmer-owned cooperative. This executive leads the sales, marketing, and business development functions, driving market share expansion for cream cheese, whey, and butter products. The Chief Revenue Officer & Board Member identifies new market opportunities and cultivates strategic partnerships to maximize revenue streams. Scott Tomes oversees the entire revenue cycle, from customer acquisition to retention, ensuring consistent financial performance. This leadership position involves collaborating with other executives to align commercial strategies with overall company objectives. Tomes's expertise is critical in navigating the competitive food industry landscape and driving profitable growth. The Chief Revenue Officer & Board Member's insights also inform board-level decisions, contributing to the co-op's long-term vision and sustainability.
Explore Leadership Teams in Food & Beverage
The family group born in northern France in 1853 is a global yeasts and fermentation company. Lesaffre designs manufactures and markets solutions for baking, food taste, health care and biotechnology. Lesaffre is headquartered out of France.
Company Leadership AR
SG
SM
West Liberty Foods, founded in 1996 and headquartered in West Liberty, Iowa, is a manufacturer of meat and poultry products.
Company Leadership BA
MQ
DW
GL
Grain Millers is a manufacturer of conventional and organic whole grain ingredients used in cereals, breads, bars and many other products served globally. They also produce and resale dairy ingredients such as butter, cheese, cream, and dairy powders such as lactose.
Company Leadership MW
SE
Founded in 1961, Maple Leaf Foods is a canadian food company. Maple Leaf operates brands such as Prime, Swift, and Schneiders and is headquartered out of Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Company Leadership
GM

