WASHINGTON -- Food industry veteran Elizabeth Avery has been named president of SNAC International (Snacking, Nutrition and Convenience) beginning in January and will assume the role of CEO in July 2017.
The SNAC International board of directors selected her to transition into the positions currently held by Tom Dempsey, who has announced his retirement.
Since 2004, Avery has served in executive roles at PepsiCo, most recently as senior vice president for global public policy and government affairs, where she led a team of 60 people in 25 countries and advised the company’s leaders on policy threats.
Avery also has advocated on behalf of several food companies and trade associations in Washington, D.C. She served as senior vice president of government and public affairs for the Snack Food Association (now SNAC International) from 1999 to 2001. She brings 30 years of government affairs experience at the state, federal and international level, leading teams working on issues in the food industry.
“I’m excited to announce Elizabeth as SNAC International’s new president. Her credibility in the food industry will ensure the association continues to be an effective advocate in Washington, D.C. She also brings a passion for serving the membership," Dempsey said.
Dempsey has served as CEO since 2013 after a career in the snack industry, most recently as president of Utz Quality Foods.
SNAC International chairman Mark Winkelman of Better Made Snack Foods said Avery brings extensive real-world knowledge of the challenges that impact food companies the most, from taxation to food safety and nutrition labeling.
Earlier this year the association changed its name to SNAC International to reflect how consumers and the industry have evolved since the Washington, D.C.-based association was founded in 1937.
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