The California dairy business is not getting any easier, according to a new report by the Food & Agribusiness Research (FAR) and Advisory, a Netherlands-based wholly owned unit of Rabobank Group, which also owns Roseville, Calif.-based Rabobank N.A.

Mike Roach, president of Ben E. Keith since 1997, announced his retirement, effective June 30. Mike Sweet, current executive vice president, will be succeeding Roach.

Kraft Foods Group, Inc. hired Deanie Elsner to the newly created role of chief marketing officer.

California Dairies, Inc. (CDI), Visalia, Calif., acquired certain assets of Security Milk Producers Association (SMPA), a Chino, Calif., milk marketing cooperative, effective Jan. 1, 2013.

Walter George, president of the American Italian Pasta Co., is leaving the company, effective June 30,

New appointments were named to the Milk Processor Education Program (MilkPEP) board.