Baker will assume the role Dec. 1, succeeding Baum, who spent 12 years leading FMI’s industry collaboration efforts and has more than 35 years of experience in the food and consumer packaged goods industries.
FMI – The Food Industry Association has appointed Doug Baker senior vice president of industry relations and chief collaboration officer, effective Dec. 1, succeeding longtime industry executive Mark Baum.
Baker will oversee FMI’s industry collaboration strategy, working with retailers, wholesalers, manufacturers, suppliers and other trading partners to strengthen business relationships, improve operational performance and identify growth opportunities across the food industry.
“The challenges and opportunities facing our industry increasingly require collaboration across the entire food marketplace,” said Leslie G. Sarasin, FMI president and CEO. “Our ability to bring together our members and other industry partners around shared priorities is one of FMI’s greatest strengths.”
Sarasin said Baker’s experience across both the retail and manufacturing sectors positions him to build on FMI’s existing industry relationships and expand member engagement.
In his new position, Baker will provide strategic leadership for FMI’s board-level committees, associate member councils and member communities focused on merchandising, supply chain, fresh foods, private brands, information technology and business continuity.
He will also oversee business development initiatives designed to expand industry participation, strengthen member services and generate additional revenue for the association.
Baker joined FMI in 2013 following more than two decades in food retailing and consumer products. Before joining the association, he held senior sales leadership positions at Federated Group, where he managed a $1 billion private-brand business portfolio.
Earlier, Baker worked in customer business development and sales at Kraft/Nabisco. He began his food industry career in retail operations at Fry’s Food Stores, a division of Kroger.
Baum Leaves a Long Industry Legacy
Baker succeeds Baum, who has spent the past 12 years overseeing FMI’s industry relations and collaboration initiatives. During his tenure, Baum worked closely with senior executives across the retail, manufacturing, supplier and service provider sectors to advance trading partner relationships, improve supply chain operations and develop new commercial opportunities.
“Mark Baum leaves a lasting legacy at FMI after serving in this capacity for 12 years,” Sarasin said. “His leadership strengthened the trust our members place in this association, and I am grateful for his dedication and thought leadership.”
Baum’s career in the food, beverage and consumer packaged goods industries spans more than 35 years and includes leadership positions at several major trade associations and consulting organizations.
Before joining FMI, Baum was a partner at Diamond Management & Technology Consultants, where he led the firm’s consumer packaged goods and retail practice. The consulting firm was subsequently acquired by PricewaterhouseCoopers.
He previously served as executive vice president of the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) and as president and CEO of the Association of Sales & Marketing Companies (ASMC). Baum joined GMA in 2001 following the merger of the two organizations, which he helped lead.
Earlier in his career, Baum held senior management positions at Food Distributors International and served as vice president of sales and marketing for Retail Insights, a division of Maclean Hunter Media/Progressive Grocer Associates. He began his career at Paragon, a New York-based snack food and candy distributor.
Beyond his association leadership, Baum has served as managing partner of MARCAT Group, an advisory firm specializing in the active outdoors marketplace. His industry involvement also includes board positions with KeyImpact Sales & Systems and Loft Growth Partners, as well as support for NextUp, an organization focused on career development and advancement in the consumer products and retail industries.
FMI did not specify Baum’s plans following the leadership transition.
The appointment places Baker in charge of one of FMI’s principal industry engagement functions as the association continues working to strengthen collaboration among food retailers, wholesalers, manufacturers and other supply chain partners.