Brazzale takes over from Dr Judith Bryans, chief executive of Dairy UK, who was elected at the 2016 World Dairy Summit in Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
In his new role, Brazzale will steer the work of IDF with the support of the IDF board, the Science Programme Coordination Committee (SPCC), of which he is the former chair, along with the IDF head office and IDF national committees. He has been involved with IDF at all levels since 2012.
Speaking after his election at the virtual IDF AGM on November 2, Brazzale said, “I am thankful and honored for the trust the IDF community has put in me to lead the organization for the next four years. Judith has done a fantastic job over the last four years and we owe her our thanks for her hard work and remarkable leadership, guiding the federation through numerous changes and challenges with unfailing vision and passion.
"I will be focusing on several key areas during my term; promoting and highlighting the value of the work undertaken by IDF, ensuring dairy continues to be recognized as making a significant role in sustainable food systems; and ensuring IDF and our sector is prepared for the future and speaking out on the big issues of our time. The challenges facing the world regarding sustainable nutrition are immense, and I am confident that with the contribution of our strong and growing base of global dairy experts, we can and will embrace them.”
Brazzale will continue to be involved with Brazzale S.p.A., Italy’s oldest dairy company, in uninterrupted activity for at least eight generations, producing cheese and butter since 1784.
Outgoing IDF president Bryans, the first female president of the IDF, said, “I am thankful for the time I have spent as president and the value we have been able to create, for the dairy sector and its stakeholders. The work of IDF is essential in creating a positive future for the dairy sector. Its unique structure and global network of experts allows us to pool our resources and expertise together to ensure the role of dairy is recognized properly at every level. Moving forwards IDF will be in good hands with a committed board under the new IDF president, Piercristiano Brazzale.”