Consumer Brands Association announces David Chavern as new CEO

The Consumer Brands Association announced Tuesday that David Chavern will become the organization’s new president and chief executive officer, effective Jan. 3.

“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, in a statement.

Chavern joins Consumer Brands from his role as president and CEO of News Media Alliance. He has experience in growing associations and making them indispensable to their members, said the organization. Chavern has held leadership roles at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and he serves on the board of Transamerica Insurance and the University of Pittsburgh. At News Media Alliance, he led the development of a new brand and identity.

“It is a privilege to be chosen to represent an industry that matters to every American, every day,” said Chavern in a statement. “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.”

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

“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,” said Harmening.

“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, in a statement. “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.”