Dean Foods names Ralph Scozzafava new CEO

Dean Foods Co. late Thursday said Ralph Scozzafava, the company's executive vice president and chief operating officer, will replace Chief Executive Gregg A. Tanner effective Jan. 1. Tanner will remain advisor to the company through the stockholders meeting in May, Dean Foods said. Scozzafava joined the food and beverage company in October 2014 as chief commercial officer. Shares of Dean Foods were flat in late trading Thursday after ending the regular session down 0.9%.

Market Pulse Stories are Rapid-fire, short news bursts on stocks and markets as they move. Visit MarketWatch.com for more information on this news.