Bongards Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Bongards has 7 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, finance, and revenue.

Driven by a legacy of cooperative ownership, Bongards is dedicated to producing high-quality dairy products, fostering strong farmer relationships, and maintaining a significant presence in the food manufacturing sector.

Leadership Roles at Bongards

  • Chief Executive Officer - Mika Mooti
  • President and Chief Executive Officer At Bongards Premium Cheese - Dennis Thomas
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Daryl Larson
  • Chief Financial Officer - Christopher Freeman
  • Chief Operating Officer - Justin Larson
  • President - Keith Grove
  • Chief Revenue Officer & Board Member - Scott Tomes
  • Mika Mooti - Chief Executive Officer

    Mika Mooti, the Chief Executive Officer at Bongards, directs the overarching strategy and long-term vision for the farmer-owned cooperative. This leadership role involves guiding all operational facets, ensuring alignment with the company's mission to supply natural, processed, and imitation cream cheese, whey, and butter. Mooti oversees the integration of new market opportunities and the optimization of existing product lines, driving growth and maintaining Bongards' competitive edge in the food manufacturing industry. The Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities extend to fostering strong relationships with the cooperative's farmer-owners and stakeholders, ensuring their interests are represented in all strategic decisions. Mika Mooti's executive oversight ensures the company's continued success and expansion within the dairy sector.

    Dennis Thomas - President and Chief Executive Officer At Bongards Premium Cheese

    Dennis Thomas, the President and Chief Executive Officer At Bongards Premium Cheese, spearheads the strategic direction and operational execution for the premium cheese division. This critical role involves managing the end-to-end production and distribution of high-quality cheese products, ensuring adherence to stringent quality standards. Thomas oversees the development and implementation of market strategies aimed at expanding the premium cheese portfolio and increasing market share. The President and Chief Executive Officer At Bongards Premium Cheese also cultivates key relationships with retail partners and distributors, driving sales and ensuring product availability across various channels. Dennis Thomas's leadership focuses on enhancing the brand's reputation for excellence and innovation within the competitive dairy market.

    Daryl Larson - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Daryl Larson, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Bongards, drives the strategic vision and operational excellence across the entire organization. This executive position involves overseeing all aspects of the cooperative's business, from farmer relations to product development and market penetration. Larson is responsible for ensuring the efficient production of cream cheese, whey, and butter, while also exploring avenues for innovation and expansion. The President & Chief Executive Officer works closely with department heads to foster a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement, directly impacting the company's financial performance and market standing. Daryl Larson's leadership ensures Bongards remains a leading supplier in the dairy industry, upholding its commitment to quality and farmer-owner value.
    Daryl Larson

    Christopher Freeman - Chief Financial Officer

    Christopher Freeman, the Chief Financial Officer at Bongards, manages the company's financial health and strategic fiscal planning. This executive function involves overseeing all financial operations, including accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting. Freeman ensures the fiscal integrity of the organization, safeguarding assets and optimizing financial performance to support Bongards' growth initiatives in the dairy sector. The Chief Financial Officer plays a key role in securing financing, managing investor relations, and advising the executive team and Board on financial strategies that align with the cooperative's long-term objectives. Christopher Freeman's financial acumen is essential for maintaining profitability and driving sustainable economic success for Bongards.
    Christopher Freeman

    Justin Larson - Chief Operating Officer

    Justin Larson, the Chief Operating Officer at Bongards, directs the day-to-day operational activities and ensures the efficient functioning of all production facilities. This role is pivotal in managing the supply chain, optimizing manufacturing processes, and maintaining the high quality of Bongards' dairy products, including cream cheese, whey, and butter. Larson oversees the implementation of operational strategies designed to enhance productivity, reduce costs, and ensure compliance with industry regulations. The Chief Operating Officer collaborates with other executive leaders to align operational goals with the company's broader strategic objectives, focusing on scalability and sustainability. Justin Larson's operational leadership is crucial for meeting market demand and upholding the cooperative's commitment to excellence.
    Justin Larson

    Keith Grove - President

    Keith Grove, the President at Bongards, leads strategic initiatives and operational oversight for key business segments within the cooperative. This role involves guiding the development and execution of plans that enhance market presence and product offerings, ensuring Bongards' continued leadership in the dairy industry. Grove focuses on fostering strong relationships with stakeholders, including farmer-owners and industry partners, to drive collaborative growth and innovation. The President works closely with the executive team to identify new opportunities and address challenges, ensuring the company's long-term viability and success. Keith Grove's leadership contributes significantly to Bongards' mission of delivering high-quality dairy products.

    Scott Tomes - Chief Revenue Officer & Board Member

    Scott Tomes, the Chief Revenue Officer & Board Member at Bongards, drives revenue generation and market expansion strategies across all sales channels. This executive leadership position focuses on maximizing income streams from the company's diverse product portfolio, including natural, processed, and imitation cream cheese, whey, and butter. Tomes oversees the sales, marketing, and business development functions, ensuring cohesive strategies that enhance customer acquisition and retention. The Chief Revenue Officer & Board Member collaborates with operational and financial teams to align revenue targets with production capabilities and market opportunities. Scott Tomes's strategic approach to revenue growth is instrumental in strengthening Bongards' market position and financial stability.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Bongards Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Bongards?
    Bongards is led by Mika Mooti (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Dennis Thomas (President and Chief Executive Officer At Bongards Premium Cheese) and Daryl Larson (President & Chief Executive Officer).
    Who is part of Bongards’s executive team?
    The executive team of Bongards includes leaders such as Mika Mooti (Chief Executive Officer), Dennis Thomas (President and Chief Executive Officer At Bongards Premium Cheese), Daryl Larson (President & Chief Executive Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Bongards have?
    Bongards has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Bongards’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Bongards includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, President and Chief Executive Officer At Bongards Premium Cheese, President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer.