Ahold CEO Named Consumer Goods Forum Co-chair

Ahold CEO Dick Boer has been appointed co-chair of the Consumer Goods Forum (CGF), a parity-based industry network that brings together the top management of more than 400 retailers, manufacturers and other stakeholders in 70 countries.

The other co-chair position went to Nestlé CEO Paul Bulcke. Both appointments were made public following the recent CGF board of directors meeting in Tokyo.

“The CGF is uniquely positioned to drive the vision of the industry and encourage real change,” said Boer. “Its ability to bring companies together for the good of our customers makes the work of the CGF both relevant and important.”

Boer and Bulcke are taking over from outgoing chairs Muhtar Kent, chairman and CEO of The Coca-Cola Co., based in Atlanta, and Gareth Ackerman, chairman of South African supermarket chain Pick ‘n’ Pay.

Created in June 2009 and governed by a board that includes 50 manufacturer and retailer CEOs and chairmen, the forum provides a global platform for knowledge exchange and initiatives in regard to five strategic priorities -- Emerging Trends, Sustainability, Safety & Health, Operational Excellence, and Knowledge Sharing & People Development -- that are key to the advancement of today’s consumer goods industry. The CGF is based in Paris, with regional offices in Washington, D.C., and Tokyo.