Dairy giantDean Foods, Dallas, said it will promoteJoseph Scalzoto Dean Foods chief operating officer, effective November 1.

Scalzo is currently president and CEO of Dean Foods'WhiteWave-Morningstargroup. In his new role, Scalzo, 51, will oversee all of Dean Foods operating businesses, including Fresh Dairy Direct, WhiteWave, Morningstar and Alpro, as well as key strategic functions including Worldwide Supply Chain, Research & Development and Innovation.

"The appointment of Joe Scalzo as our chief operating officer continues the company's evolution from its roots as a consolidator to a best-in-class food and beverage company," said Gregg Engles, chairman of and CEO. "Joe is an exceptional operator, whose level-headed financial discipline and collaborative leadership will be invaluable in building Dean Foods into a leading food and beverage company."

Added Engles, "We have built an exceptional executive team over the last few years. Under Joe's leadership, I have the utmost confidence that our operating team will lead Dean Foods to achieve its fullest potential."

Engles will continue to lead Dean Foods' strategic activities and focus on the external environment, including the financial community, and managing the ever-changing public policy and political environment.

Scalzo's immediate focus will be leading and coordinating the organizational transformation of Dean Foods - both business unit and functional - to accelerate Dean Foods' progress.

With Scalzo's promotion,Blaine McPeak, 43, President Horizon® and Silk® is being promoted to president, WhiteWave Foods in Broomfield, Colorado. Blaine will lead Horizon, Silk Soymilk, International Delight® and LAND O' LAKES® cultured and liquid dairy products. This includes overseeing all functions, including marketing, research and development, supply chain, finance and sales.

"We look forward to Blaine's continued contributions to WhiteWave," said Scalzo. "His ability to lead organizations through evolution and growth helped him deliver strong and consistent results at WhiteWave and throughout his career."

Added Scalzo, "I am very pleased Blaine will be leading this business and look forward to seeing even greater levels of performance from an executive of Blaine's caliber."

McPeak joined Dean Foods' WhiteWave Division in 2007 as Horizon Foods president and has significantly improved its business performance. In 2008, McPeak added the Silk Soymilk business to his leadership portfolio and has overseen a strategic repositioning of the brand and focused new product pipeline.