Welch's President & CEO To Retire

CONCORD, Mass, October 16, 2006

Daniel P. Dillon, President and CEO at Welch's, the world's leading manufacturer and marketer of Concord and Niagara grape-based products, announced today that he plans to retire at the end of October, 2006. Dillon, 61, joined the company in 1981. He was named President and CEO in 1995 after holding a number of progressively important positions within the company.

During his 25-plus years with Welch's, Dillon was responsible for establishing the company's new products program, key to Welch's business turnaround, growing the company from a declining $200 million business in 1981 to $600 million in fiscal year 2006. He re-energized the Welch's brand by broadening the product line, increasing advertising support, and successfully penetrating new channels of distribution. Today, Welch's is considered by many to be the most successful agricultural cooperative in the United States.

In the early 1990's, Dillon led Welch's acquisition efforts, overseeing several acquisitions, including Cascadian Farm, a leading organic food company – later sold to General Mills – and Welch's acquisition of BAMA Foods in 1994.

The Welch's Board of Directors will consider Dillon's replacement at its next meeting.

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