GMA adds health and nutrition talent

WASHINGTON — The Grocery Manufacturers Association has named Robert Burns, Ph.D., as VP health and nutrition policy. Burns was most recently owner of Nutrition Implications, a consulting firm focused on helping companies develop strategic approaches to nutrition and health, including engagement with external stakeholders and development of research and communications initiatives.

“I am very pleased to welcome Dr. Burns to GMA,” said Pam Bailey, GMA CEO. “Health and nutrition policy is critically important to GMA and its member companies and Dr. Burns clearly has the scientific expertise and proven leadership skills to take our work in this area to an even higher level of success.”

Prior to founding Nutrition Implications, Burns held nutrition leadership roles at Cadbury Schweppes and Mead Johnson where he worked with cross-functional business and technical partners to develop and execute nutrition and wellness strategies.

“I am thrilled to join the GMA team,” said Dr. Burns. “GMA’s accomplishments and leadership in the health and nutrition policy arena are truly impressive and I look forward to working with the GMA staff and its member companies to build on that record of success.”

Burns will report to Leon Bruner, GMA’s SVP scientific and regulatory affairs and chief science officer.

Dr. Burns has a Ph.D. in Nutritional Biochemistry and a B.S. in Biochemistry, both from Queen’s University, Belfast, Northern Ireland. Subsequent to his graduate studies, he conducted postdoctoral research fellowships at Nottingham University, U.K., and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.