January 12/Concord, N.H./The Associated Press -- Saying he wants to devote more time to changing national food policies to help consumers, Gary Hirshberg is stepping down as the CEO of New Hampshire's Stonyfield Farm and handing over responsibilities of the organic yogurt company to the former CEO of Ben & Jerry's.
Hirshberg will remain as chairman of the Londonderry company, overseeing its European divisions and other initiatives. He said the company is in great shape and the change leaves him time to focus on U.S. food and agriculture policy. A Democratic activist and fundraiser, he also noted he wants to spend time on efforts to re-elect President Barack Obama and support a New Hampshire gubernatorial candidate for the 2012 election. Hirshberg said he is not running for governor.