Dean Foods announced Barry Fromberg plans to retire from his position as executive vice president and chief financial officer of the company, effective at the end of the first quarter of 2006. Fromberg, who has held the CFO position since 1998, has agreed to remain in his position until his successor is selected and integrated into the company.

"Barry has been instrumental in helping guide our company through a period of tremendous growth over the past seven years," said Gregg Engles, chairman and CEO. "We are very appreciative of his many contributions and are grateful to Barry for working with us to ensure a smooth and seamless transition."

"I am proud to have been a part of building Dean Foods into one of the country's premier food and beverage companies and believe it is well positioned for the future," commented Fromberg. "My tenure at Dean Foods has been one of the most exciting and rewarding experiences of my career. For personal reasons, I feel that now is the right time for me to step back and focus on my family and other interests."

The company has retained Spencer Stuart, an executive search firm, to assist in the search for Fromberg's successor.