The Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) yesterday appointed Todd A. Turner to the position of VP of industry affairs, in which role he will lead the day-to-day operations of the industry affairs department and efforts in the sales and supply chain and technology practices. He will report to Stephen Sibert, SVP of industry affairs.

“[Turner] is a veteran of the retail and CPG industries, with a proven track record of providing first-rate member service as an association executive,” said Sibert. “He is well equipped to help food, beverage and consumer product manufacturers deliver on their promise to provide safe, healthy and affordable products to consumers.”

Before joining GMA, Turner was VP of membership and urban affairs at the Food Marketing Institute (FMI), where during his 14-year tenure he helped boost dues revenue by 40 percent, generated $1.7 million in additional revenue by establishing an associate member program and developed an industry-wide supplier diversity program.

His previous experience also includes a stint at the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, a think tank focused on the study of issues affecting African-American families, and a pharmaceutical sales position at Merck and Pfizer.

The Washington-based GMA represents food, beverage, and consumer products companies, and promotes sound public policy, champions initiatives that increase productivity and growth, and helps ensure the safety and security of consumer packaged goods through scientific excellence.