Organic Valley Welcomes Robert Kirchoff To Key Leadership Role

LA FARGE, Wis. — Organic Valley, the nation’s largest cooperative of organic farmers, has announced the appointment of Robert Kirchoff to the position of chief of business operations. The newly created position was necessary to help the cooperative manage its exceptional growth and sustain its mission into the future.

“As a cooperative that last year reached $1 billion in annual sales, we need to embrace change and find creative ways to sustain us into the future,” said George Siemon, Organic Valley’s CEO. “Bob Kirchoff brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this role, and he’s been a longtime friend of the co-op.”

Kirchoff was previously the president of Natrel USA, a division of Agropur. During his 25-year career in the dairy and food industry, he helped lead the Schroeder dairy brand, doubling its annual revenues and operating profit. In 2008, Kirchoff guided the company’s successful sale to Agropur, the Montreal-based dairy cooperative, and continued as president of U.S. operations until 2014.

In his new role at Organic Valley, Kirchoff will oversee the departments of Information Resources, Workplace Management, Employee Services, and Operations.

“I’m super excited to be a part of an amazing organization and culture,” said Kirchoff of coming out of early retirement. He has volunteered for numerous organizations and roles and serves on several boards, including a non-profit organization that supports youth athletics, a Minneapolis-based trucking firm, a tech security start-up, and a juice manufacturing company.

Bob attended St. Cloud State University on a football scholarship, and remains involved in the sport as an assistant varsity football coach at Centennial High School in Minnesota. His daughter Madeline is 22, and his son Zach is 19. He makes his home in the northern suburbs of  Minneapolis,  Minnesota.

Source: Organic Valley