ARLINGTON, Va. – The Consumer Brands Association announced today the search committee that will lead efforts to find a new CEO for the organization upon Geoff Freeman’s departure on August 4.

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 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. “Consumer Brands has built an agenda that united the industry, expanded membership and revenue and grown into an association that we are increasingly proud to be a part of — and one well positioned to recruit a strong new leader.”

“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.”

The next CEO will take the helm of an organization that has grown significantly during Freeman’s four-year tenure. After years of declining membership and revenue, Freeman assumed the CEO role with change as the mission. Since rebranding the organization as Consumer Brands in January 2020, 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 – cleaning, personal care, food and beverage products.

Stacy Papadopoulos, general counsel and senior vice president of operations, will serve as interim CEO, beginning August 5 until a successor is named.

“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 search will be led by Leslie Hortum at Spencer Stuart.

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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.