GMA Establishes New Industry Affairs and Collaboration Division

GMA Establishes New Industry Affairs and Collaboration Division
New Alignment Will Enhance Efficiency, Effectiveness of GMA Member Services

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) today announced that it has created an Industry Affairs and Collaboration Division, following a restructuring process aimed at enhancing member services and organizational efficiencies. The new division takes the place of three former GMA departments: Industry Affairs, Membership Services and Meetings, with the staff of each group assigned to new roles under the Industry Affairs and Collaboration banner.

“GMA is always looking for innovative ways to provide industry leadership and enhance the value of GMA membership for food and consumer products companies,” said Denny Belcastro, executive vice president, industry affairs and collaboration. “This new division will allow us to do just that by realigning our capabilities to create more efficient work streams that will improve engagement opportunities and comprehensive services for our members.”

The Industry Affairs and Collaboration Division will continue to support GMA’s strategic areas of focus on product safety, health and nutrition, environmental sustainability, and global commerce, with a special emphasis on facilitating industry collaboration and efficiency on these and other matters. The group will also work cross-functionally to identify and execute opportunities for business development and to provide first-rate service to the GMA membership.

The new division’s leadership team is comprised of the following individuals and roles:

• Todd Turner, vice president, operational effectiveness, with responsibility for all elements of planning, project management, administration, and delivery of GMA events and activities. Turner will report to Denny Belcastro.
• Brian Lynch, promoted to senior director, business and industry development, with responsibility for developing new business opportunities, including but not limited to: membership recruitment, development of leadership programs, sponsorships and educational forums. Lynch will report to Denny Belcastro.
• Logan Kastner, promoted to director, member relations and services, with responsibility for member services and engagement opportunities (including joint industry conferences) aimed at optimizing member satisfaction and the GMA value proposition. Kastner will continue to report to Brian Lynch.

“I am pleased to have Todd, Brian and Logan on the new Industry Affairs and Collaboration leadership team,” continued Belcastro. “Each of them possesses tremendous energy and valuable experience that will allow them to excel in their new roles.”