GMA Names Wolford as Chairman

WASHINGTON -- Grocery Manufacturers Association said Richard G. Wolford, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Del Monte Foods, has been elected chairman of the GMA board of directors. He will serve a two-year term.

"In this leadership role, GMA and the larger CPG industry will benefit greatly from Rick's leadership, his proven business acumen and his commitment to serving the consumer," said Pamela G. Bailey, GMA president and CEO. "I look forward to working with him to advance GMA's ambitious agenda on behalf of our member companies and the entire consumer packaged goods sector."

Wolford previously had been GMA's vice chairman of the board of directors and chairman of the Industry Affairs Council.

He joined Dole Foods in 1967, was named president of Dole Packaged Foods in 1982 and stayed with the company through 1987. Wolford later left to join a venture-capital firm and led the acquisition of Del Monte Foods in 1997. He joined the company as its CEO, and was elected chairman in May 2000.

In addition, GMA announced the election of four new members of the board of directors:

-- J. Alexander M. "Sandy" Douglas Jr., executive vice president and chief financial officer, the Coca-Cola Co.

-- Tom Ferriter, president and CEO, Bush Brothers & Co.

-- Melanie Healey, group vice president, North America, the Procter & Gamble Co.

-- Michael Mendes, president and CEO, Diamond Foods.

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