United Dairy Farmers (UDF), the Ohio-based convenience store chain known for its ice cream and dairy products, has announced a significant shift in leadership. Michael Ahmed has been appointed as the company’s Chief Executive Officer, following the retirement of long-serving CEO Brad Lindner. This transition marks the first time in the company’s 85-year history that a non-family member will take the helm.

Lindner, whose father was among UDF’s founders, spent 47 years at United Dairy Farmers—serving as president and CEO for 27 of those years. His retirement was announced earlier this year, initiating a nationwide search for a successor. To ensure a smooth transition, Lindner will remain with the company as Chairman of the Board and is actively assisting Ahmed as he steps into the new role. Lindner described the change as part of a carefully planned succession process, stating, “This will be a significant shift for us as we transition from being a family-run organization to one operated by outside leadership, with continued involvement and oversight from the Lindner family via our board of directors.”

Ahmed’s appointment comes at a critical time for UDF, as it celebrates eight-and-a-half decades in business and continues to expand its operations across Ohio. Ahmed brings with him an extensive background in operations and supply chain management. Most recently, he served as Chief Operating Officer for five years at the Gorilla Glue Company. He has also held senior positions at Tyson Foods/Advanced Pierre Foods, Kik Custom Products, and Procter & Gamble.

Reflecting on his new position, Ahmed expressed enthusiasm for the role, saying, “United Dairy Farmers has been a trusted name for more than 80 years, built on quality and service. It is an honor to join a company with such a rich heritage and strong values. We will build on that legacy, growing the business, expanding our reach, and continuing to deliver the homemade quality and customer experience that make UDF special.”

The leadership change comes on the heels of several years of robust investment and growth for United Dairy Farmers. In the last decade, the company invested $25 million into its Norwood ice cream plant, launched a new family bakery facility, and remodeled more than 50 stores. UDF’s footprint remains concentrated in Ohio, but recent initiatives suggest plans for further market development.

UDF’s leadership transition has attracted coverage from local and national business news outlets, including Yahoo Finance and WLWT Cincinnati. Both Lindner and Ahmed have emphasized that the company’s guiding principles—quality, service, and community—will continue to inform its direction as it enters a new era under Ahmed’s non-family leadership.