GFSI Announces New Board Chairman and Vice Chairs

The Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), managed by The Consumer Goods Forum, announced today the appointment of Cenk Gürol, Group Chief SCM Officer, Aeon CO., LTD & President, Aeon Global SCM CO., LTD, Japan to succeed Yves Rey, Corporate Quality General Manager, Danone as its Board Chairman. Cenk will take over the leadership of GFSI as of March 2014.

As Chair of the GFSI Board for the last two years, Yves Rey has played an important role in setting the direction for the Initiative. Under his chairmanship, GFSI has progressed rapidly with its geographical expansion strategy, including the set-up of the first GFSI Local Groups. Mr Rey has been a strong advocate on the importance of collaboration between the private and public sectors and has contributed to building partnerships with key stakeholders.

Commenting on the appointment, Yves Rey said: “The GFSI Board is delighted that Cenk has agreed to take up this role. The Initiative has gained colossal momentum over the last few years in many countries. Among other objectives, GFSI has a key role to play in supporting smaller suppliers in different parts of the world to build their capacity and ensure the development of effective food safety management systems. Given the growing importance of Asia and its role in the global supply chain, GFSI needs to grow its presence in this part of the world. I believe that Cenk will be instrumental in leading GFSI’s work both in Asia and around the world.”

Cenk added, “Over the years, GFSI has been instrumental in mapping the food supply chain and substantially improving it through collaboration with key stakeholders to accomplish real change and continuous improvement. I am honoured to be appointed as the GFSI Chair and look forward to working with the leading food safety experts to carry this work forward. GFSI is uniquely positioned to drive progress in the field of food safety globally and I’m convinced that together we can achieve tremendous results.”

Cenk Gürol will become the seventh Chairman of the Global Food Safety Initiative since its foundation in 2000. Yves Rey will continue to serve on the GFSI Board of Directors.

In addition, Mike Robach, Vice President, Food Safety, Quality and Regulatory Affairs, Cargill, USA and Neil Marshall, Global Director, Quality & Food Safety Strategy, Policy and Programs, The Coca-Cola Company, USA have been elected as Vice Chairs of GFSI.

Showing his full support to the newly appointed Vice Chairs, Yves Rey shared “The GFSI Board will be greatly strengthened by the commitment of Mike Robach and Neil Marshall. The combined expertise, experience and enthusiasm of GFSI’s new leadership will be key to continue the development of GFSI as the world’s leading business-driven food safety collaboration platform.”