Ralph Scozzafava

Ralph Scozzafava is an American business executive who is best known for his position as chief executive officer at Dean Foods, the largest fluid milk company in the United States, from January 1, 2017, to July 29, 2019. He previously served as the company's chief operating officer and joined Dean Foods in 2014 as the company's chief commercial officer.

Early life and education Scozzafava was born on November 4, 1958, in Danbury, Connecticut, and graduated from Immaculate High School. He attended the University of Pacific in Stockton, California, where he majored in business and played college basketball. He went on to receive an MBA from the University of Rhode Island in Kingston, Rhode Island, and completed the KMI graduate program at the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois.

Career Scozzafava took his first job with Warner Lambert in 1982 and spent the next decade in business management with companies including Johnson & Johnson and Clorox. During his tenure he managed a $5 billion business with over 10,000 employees.

In 2007 he joined Furniture Brands International as vice chairman of the board and became chief executive officer of the company on January 1, 2008. On May 1, 2008, he also became chairman of the board. during which time he held the title of CEO-designate. His first two years with the company resulted in a financial turn-around for the firm. In 2010 he signed a three-year contract extension through June 30, 2013. He was a director of Stage Stores from 2012 to 2017. and the American Home Furnishings Alliance, Inc.