Former PepsiCo government affairs chief to become president of SNAC

Snack food industry international trade association SNAC has named Elizabeth Avery as its new president.

Avery, who was most recently senior vice president for global public policy and government affairs at PepsiCo, will begin as SNAC president on January 16, 2017.

On July 1, 2017, following a six-month transition period, she will assume the role of chief executive officer from outgoing CEO Tom Dempsey, who last year announced his plans to retire.

SNAC said Avery brings 30 years of strategic government affairs experience to the association, adding she has a “strong track record of success in leading teams working on critical issues to the food industry at the state, federal, and international level”.

'Deep understanding of industry'

She served as senior vice president of government and public affairs for SNAC – under its previous name the Snack Food Association – from 1999 to 2001, and has a deep understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing the snack industry, added SNAC.

Avery has served in several roles at PepsiCo, in her most recent position leading a team of 60 executives in 25 countries and advising the company's board of directors, CEO and president's executive council on policy threats.

"Her credibility in the food industry will ensure the association continues to be an effective advocate in Washington, DC,” said Dempsey.

'Uniquely suited'

Avery is “uniquely suited to navigate the growing number of legislative and regulatory challenges that our industry faces," added SNAC International chairman Mark Winkelman of Better Made Snack Foods.

Avery said she was honored to have been chosen to lead SNAC International, an organization she has “respected and admired as a member company executive, senior staff professional and association colleague for 20 years”.

Outgoing CEO Dempsey was named chief executive in 2013, having most recently served as president of UTZ Quality Foods.