CPG group names McKinsey exec to top job

Peter Freedman was appointed managing director of the Consumer Goods Forum with responsibility for leading the Paris-based organization’s efforts to promote better lives through better business.

Freedman assumes his new responsibilities for leading the CGF organization which consists of 400 of the world’s largest retailers, manufacturers and service providers operating in 70 countries on January 6. Freedman is a 30-year veteran of the consumer packaged goods industry who spent the bulk of his career with McKinsey & Company from 1984 through 2011. He built and led McKinsey’s Europe, Middle East and Africa consumer goods practice for over ten years and since leaving McKinsey in 2011, Freedman has worked in non-executive roles with a variety of consumer-facing organizations, including a retail startup, a food charity, a healthcare provider and the United Kingdom's Ombudsman Service.

“Peter Freedman brings a broad range of expertise to The Consumer Goods Forum. The work we do at The Forum is important for the present and future of our industry, and the consumers, shoppers and communities we serve,” according to a statement released by CGO co-chairs, Paul Bulcke, Nestle CEO, and Dick Boer, Royal Ahold CEO. “We are confident that, with Peter, the board of directors, the Forum members, and our strategic partners have the leader we need to propel The Consumer Goods Forum forward as the acknowledged industry platform of choice where retailers and manufacturers, small and big, food and nonfood, work together to improve our industry and make it more successful, more sustainable, and more relevant to society.”

Freedman said he was delighted to be joining the CGF at such an exciting time in its development.

“Although only four years’ old in its current form, the CGF is already establishing itself as the consumer industry’s pre-eminent global platform and a force for good in the world. I very much look forward to working with the members, board and staff of the CGF to help them build on that momentum,” Freedman said.

The mission of the CGF is bringing together consumer goods manufacturers and retailers in pursuit of business practices for efficiency and positive change across our industry benefiting shoppers, consumers, and the world without impeding competition. The organizations is focused on four strategic priorities which encompass, sustainability, product safety, health and wellness and end-to-end value chain and standards which are viewed as central to the advancement of the consumer goods industry.