GMA Names SVP for Scientific & Reg. Affairs/Chief Science Officer

Leon Bruner DVM, Ph.D. has been appointed the Grocery Manufacturers Association’s (GMA) SVP for scientific & regulatory affairs and chief science officer, effective Aug. 27.

“Science and regulatory affairs is the very foundation of GMA, and is at the heart of everything we do,” said noted Pamela G. Bailey, the Washington-based trade association’s president and CEO. “Dr. Bruner is an accomplished and impressive consumer products scientist. His training in veterinary medicine and pharmacology, combined with his corporate and professional achievements make him the right person for the job. He has a tremendous track record of innovation and the application of metrics against stated goals that will help GMA better serve its members and accomplish the association’s food and product safety mission.”

A 23-year veteran of the consumer products industry, Bruner has held a range of positions at Procter & Gamble and The Gillette Co. Most recently, he was director, environment, health and safety at P&G’s Gillette division. Before that, he was VP, Gillette environment, health and safety from 2000 to 2007.
Bruner, who was hired following a nationwide search, is a globally recognized expert in the development and application of non-animal toxicity product testing methods, as well as possessing a vast amount of knowledge on product safety and regulatory compliance. He is also the author of many peer-reviewed journal articles and several book chapters on those topics.

“His scientific expertise, combined with his proven leadership skills and the ability to develop and lead strong teams will help GMA take its scientific and regulatory platforms, projects and member services to an even higher level of effectiveness,” noted Chris Lischewski, president and CEO of San Diego-based Bumble Bee, in addition serving as a GMA board member and chair of the organization’s Science & Regulatory Affairs Council.