Honoring our industry's leaders

Last month, the Grocery Manufacturers Association had the pleasure of announcing the establishment of the GMA Industry Collaboration Leadership Award.

We created this award to acknowledge and recognize industry leaders who have demonstrated excellence in fostering significant collaboration among trading partners throughout their career, developing strong business relationships to better serve the consumer. GMA will present the award annually to an individual who has contributed endless time, energy and passion in serving the industry as a collaboration role model.

This year's inaugural award was given posthumously to Donald E. Becker, executive vice president of the Kroger Co. Don led the company's merchandising and procurement for grocery, perishables, drug/GM and pharmacy. He was also responsible for advertising, consumer research and customer loyalty, manufacturing and corporate brands, customer insights and strategy, supply chain, and supplier diversity.

The inaugural GMA Industry Collaboration Leadership Award was given posthumously to Donald E. Becker, executive vice president of the Kroger Co.

In addition, Don served as a mentor to many associates at every level of Kroger and was an inspiring industry partner. Those of you who worked with Don over the years would surely agree that our industry lost a great leader and a terrific friend this past year.

We hope that future winners of the GMA Industry Collaboration Leadership Award will be inspired by the legacy that Don leaves for all of us: an unwavering commitment to working together for the greater good.

Dennis J. Belcastro
Executive Vice President
Industry Affairs & Collaboration
Grocery Manufacturers Association