Consumer Brands Association taps David Chavern as new CEO

The Consumer Brands Association announced today that David Chavern will become the organization’s new president and chief executive officer effective January 3, 2023. Chavern joins Consumer Brands from his role as president and CEO of News Media Alliance. 

“We are pleased to welcome David to Consumer Brands, an organization doing the important work of continuing to unite and champion the CPG industry,” said Jeff Harmening, chairman and CEO, General Mills, Inc., and chairman of the Consumer Brands board. “The board is committed to Consumer Brands’ direction and future and is looking for David to build on a strong foundation and to accelerate the great momentum we have seen in recent years.”  

Following the dramatic change to the strategic direction and the rebrand from Grocery Manufacturers Association to Consumer Brands in January 2020, the association has recruited 30 CPG members and retained all CPG companies over $500 million in sales, growing organization revenue by 23%. Today, Consumer Brands represents 73 CPG companies with nearly 2,000 brands from across industry sectors — cleaning, personal care, food and beverage products. 

Chavern brings to Consumer Brands a proven record of achievement in growing associations and making them indispensable to their members. In his time at News Media Alliance, he led the development of a new brand and identity, reinvigorating the association and the industry it represents. In his 30 years of executive experience, Chavern has also held leadership roles at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, serves on the board of Transamerica Insurance and the University of Pittsburgh and has been repeatedly named a “Top Lobbyist” by the Hill and one of Washingtonian’s “250 Most Influential People.” 

The progress of Consumer Brands helped the search committee attract top tier talent, which we have found in David,” said Billy Cyr, CEO, Freshpet, Inc. and leader of the CEO search committee. “Consumer Brands has become an essential partner to this consequential industry and I’m confident with the hiring of David the association will continue to grow our member companies’ ability to deliver the value and quality that consumers expect from our industry.” 

Consumer Brands has added value to its members by becoming a trusted resource to leaders in Washington and state capitals across the country; shaping the advocacy landscape by putting forward unique insights on the industry and economic environment; and engaging CPG leaders through professional exchanges and signature events.   

“It is a privilege to be chosen to represent an industry that matters to every American, every day,” said Chavern. “I have watched the incredible turnaround of Consumer Brands over the last three years and am honored to carry the association into its next phase and elevate the CPG industry that I am proud to now call myself a part of.” 

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The Consumer Brands Association champions the industry whose products Americans depend on every day, representing nearly 2,000 iconic brands. From household and personal care to food and beverage products, the consumer packaged goods industry plays a vital role in powering the U.S. economy, contributing $2 trillion to U.S. GDP and supporting more than 20 million American jobs.