Grafton, Vt. – Dr John Bramley, President of the Windham Foundation, announced today the hire of David Rachlin as President and CEO of the Grafton Village Cheese Company. Rachlin, a dairy and cheese industry veteran, will commence his appointment at Grafton Village Cheese on September 1. Rachlin has a strong Vermont foods background and more than 25 years in marketing, sales and brand development in the food and beverage industry, most notably with Ben & Jerry’s and Boursin cheese. First as General Manager of Boursin cheese, then later as COO of Boursin through Unilever Foods, Rachlin revitalized the France-based business in North America and worldwide. As VP of Ben & Jerry’s International Brand and Business Development for five years, he brought the popular ice cream and the company’s social mission global. Rachlin also served as CEO of Vermont Spoondance Creamery, a specialty water buffalo mozzarella and yogurt company in Woodstock, Vt.
Most recently Rachlin has served as an industry consultant and as Interim CEO of SodaStream USA, rolling-out a sustainable kitchen appliance that turns tap water into carbonated drinks.
In his new position, Rachlin will lead all aspects of Grafton Village Cheese operations including personnel, budget, manufacturing, distribution, marketing and sales.
“I am delighted that we have been able to attract somebody of David’s experience, talent and commitment to lead the company at this time,” said Bramley. “He is not only ideally qualified as a professional, but has a great commitment to the mission and values of the Windham Foundation.”
“I am thrilled and humbled to join the great team at Grafton and the Windham Foundation,” said Rachlin. “I love and admire Grafton’s products, people and our values shared throughout the artisanal dairy community. In particular, I’m gratified to work for a company that’s dedicated to supporting the Windham Foundation’s philanthropic mission–to sustain Vermont’s rural communities and balance the triple bottom line of people, planet and profit.”
Rachlin has a Master of Business Administration from The Wharton School, a Master of International Studies from UPENN and his Bachelor of Arts degree in Physics and Philosophy from Yale University.
About Grafton Village Cheese The Grafton Village Cheese Company, located in Grafton and Brattleboro, Vermont, handcrafts artisanal cheddar cheese. The company was founded in 1892 as the Grafton Cooperative Cheese Company, which converted surplus milk from local dairy farmers into cheese. Years later, a fire destroyed the original factory. When the Windham Foundation restored the company in the mid 1960s, a new era for the town was born. Today, quality and taste continue to serve as the hallmark of Grafton cheddar. As part of the nonprofit Windham Foundation, much of Grafton Cheese’s annual earned income funds the Foundation’s charitable programs. More information on Grafton Village Cheese Company can be found online.
About the Windham Foundation Headquartered in Grafton, Vermont, the Windham Foundation is an operating foundation engaged in philanthropic, charitable and educational activities. Since its inception in 1963, its mission is to promote the vitality of Grafton and Vermont’s rural communities through its philanthropic and educational programs and its subsidiaries whose operations contribute to these endeavors. The Foundation is the owner of Grafton Village Cheese Co., The Old Tavern at Grafton, the Retreat Farm and Grafton Village Nursery.
Source: Grafton Village Cheese Company
