Consumer Brands Names Search Committee for New CEO

The Consumer Brands Association on Friday revealed it has put in place a search committee that will lead efforts to find a new CEO. Geoff Freeman resigned from his post as CEO of the Consumer Brands Association, effective Aug. 4. Stacy Papadopoulos, general counsel and SVP of operations, will serve as interim CEO, beginning August 5 until a successor is named.

The Arlington, Virginia-based CPG trade group said the search committee will be led by Billy Cyr, CEO, Freshpet, Inc. and also includes: Jeff Harmening, chairman and CEO, General Mills, Inc.; Wendy Davidson, president, Americas, Glanbia Performance Nutrition; Linda Rendle, CEO, The Clorox Company; Monica Turner, president, North America, The Procter & Gamble Company; and Steven Williams, CEO, PepsiCo Foods North America. The search will be led by Leslie Hortum at Spencer Stuart.

“Consumer Brands appreciates its supportive and dedicated board and the leaders who are committing their time and energy to finding the next CEO,” said Papadopoulos. “The capable team here will ensure the organization continues to deliver on the agenda and serves as the champion this industry deserves.”

“The CPG industry is made up of thousands of iconic brands that have the privilege of being in every American home, every day, and we appreciate the importance of having a strong association in Consumer Brands to support our efforts to deliver for consumers,” said Harmening, who also serves as chairman of Consumer Brands. 

“We are looking for a candidate who will build on the strong foundation that exists today, furthering the organization’s momentum and ushering in the next phase of growth,” said Cyr. “We have the utmost confidence in the team in place that will keep advancing the organization’s priorities as we work to find the next leader of Consumer Brands.”

During Freeman’s four-year tenure as CEO, there has been a 35% increase in membership and nearly 50% growth in dues revenue. Consumer Brands currently represents 72 CPG companies with nearly 2,000 brands from across industry sectors, including cleaning, personal care, food and beverage products, the CPG trade group said in a statement.