Biography

Michael Keown joined Farmer Bros. in 2012, as President and Chief Executive Officer. He is the sixth chief executive to lead the company since its founding in 1912. He was appointed to the position of Class I Director in March 2012.

From 2003 to 2012, Mr. Keown served in various executive capacities at Dean Foods Company, a food and beverage company. He had been at WhiteWave Foods, a subsidiary of Dean Foods, since 2004 and most recently as President, Indulgent Brands. He was also responsible for WhiteWave’s alternative channel business comprised largely of foodservice. Mr. Keown served as President of the Dean Branded Products Group of Dean Foods since 2003.

Prior to joining Dean Foods Mr. Keown was with the Coca-Cola Company, where he served as Vice President and General Manager of the Shelf Stable Division of The Minute Maid Company. Mr. Keown has over 25 years of experience in the Consumer Goods business, having held various positions with E.&J. Gallo Winery and The Procter & Gamble Company.

Mr. Keown holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Northwestern University.