Pamela G. Bailey, president and CEO of the Grocery Manufactureres Association (GMA), has announced her intention to retire later this year, following nearly 10 years of leading GMA.
“During Bailey’s tenure, GMA led the industry in supporting modernization of the nation’s food and product safety law and regulations. This work resulted in passage of the historic Food Safety Modernization Act, reforms to the Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) review process and passage of the Toxic Substances Control Act, which made important improvement to the nation’s chemicals management laws, according to a GMA press release announcing Bailey’s intention to retire.
Baily will remain with GMA and manage the organization as the board of directors conducts a search for her successor. Her announcement follows a string of departures from GMA membership by such companies as Campbell Soup Co., Cargill Inc., Dean Foods, Kraft Heinz Co., Mars Inc. and Unilever since last year. Some of those companies cited differences in policy regarding food labeling moving forward, issues the new GMA leadership are expected to address.
Previous to her tenure at the GMA, Bailey served as president and CEO of the Healthcare Leadership Council, the Advanced Medical Technology Association and the Personal Care Products Council. Earlier in Bailey’s career, she served in the White House for three presidents.
