GMA Elects PepsiCo, Frito-Lay CEO as Board Chairman

The Grocery Manufacturers Association has elected PepsiCo, Frito-Lay N.A. president and CEO Vivek Sankaran as its president and chairman of the board of directors amid what association officials call a time of "reinvention." 

Sankaran, who was elected by the GMA executive committee effective July 1, will succeed Chris Policinski, who is leaving the GMA board upon his retirement as president and CEO of Land O’Lakes Inc. at the end of June.

Sankaran said he looks forward to playing a leading role in helping guide the association through this next era of change and growth.

“I look forward to working in partnership with our new CEO, our board and our membership in the pursuit of a vibrant future for GMA and our industry," he said.

In addition, William (Billy) Cyr, CEO of Freshpet Inc., is becoming GMA board treasurer and chair of the board finance and audit committee. GMA also recently added three new board members from the CPG industry, including Kellogg Co. CEO and Chairman Steven Cahillane, Ocean Spray President and CEO Bobby Chacko, and Ferrero North America President and CEO Paul Chibe.

The board changes succeed GMA's June 5 announcement that Geoff Freeman, currently president and CEO of the American Gaming Association, will step into the role of GMA's president and CEO in August. Sankaran and Cyr were members of the search committee for Freeman's role as former GMA president and CEO Pamela Bailey transitioned into retirement. 

Related:GMA Honors Big Heart Pet Brands and PepsiCo with CPG Award for Innovation and Creativity