The Grocery Manufacturers Association elects Gary Rodkin, chief executive officer of ConAgra Foods, chairman of its board of directors, effective Feb. 16. Rodkin will serve a two-year term.


Gary Rodkin, chief executive officer of ConAgra Foods, is named chairman of the board of directors of the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA), Washington, D.C. “GMA is very fortunate to have a leader of Gary’s experience, commitment and passion in this critical leadership role,” says Pamela Bailey, GMA president and CEO. “I look forward to working with him as we seek to fulfill GMA’s mission to support our member companies as they sustain and enhance the quality of life for hundreds of millions of people in the United States and around the globe.”

Previously serving as vice chairman and as chairman of the Government Affairs Council, Rodkin joined ConAgra Foods in October 2005, where under his leadership, the company transformed itself from a holding company for dozens of leading consumer brands and businesses into a unified operating company. Before leading ConAgra, Rodkin was chairman and CEO of PepsiCo Beverages and Foods North America, whose brands includePepsi, Gatorade, TropicanaandQuaker Foods.From 1979-95, he held marketing and general management positions of increasing responsibility at General Mills.