David Ahlem is the Chief Executive Officer and President for Hilmar Cheese Company, Inc. He came to the Company in 2004. Since then, Ahlem has served in several leadership roles, which have deepened his passion for the dairy business and expanded his experience. His expertise includes dairy policy, strategic management, and customer relations.
A proactive member of the dairy industry, Ahlem participates with leadership peers in a variety of associations. He currently serves as Immediate Past Chair of the International Dairy Foods Association Executive Council, and as a board member of the Innovation Center for US Dairy and the Dairy Institute of California. Ahlem also actively participates in several other industry-related groups.
Ahlem was born and raised in California’s Central Valley where his involvement in the dairy industry began on his family’s dairy farm in Hilmar, California. He attended Westmont College, earning a B.A. in Philosophy and later earned an M.B.A from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.
David and his wife, Cari, have four children and reside in Turlock, California.
