The Global Food Safety Initiative here said it has named Karil Kochenderfer as its first representative in North America.
She will be based in Washington, D.C., and will work to enhance awareness of GFSI's programs and expand knowledge of its work streams among food industry executives in North America, the Initiative said. In addition, she will monitor developments in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Latin America, particularly at the regulatory level.
GFSI, which was launched in 2000, is a global collaborative platform and business-driven initiative that seeks continuous improvement of food safety management systems worldwide. It is managed by the Paris-based Consumer Goods Forum, an international industry network of retailers and suppliers.
Kochenderefer was formerly director of new technologies and environment for the Grocery Manufacturers Association, where she oversaw the creation of GMA's international program and led efforts on biotechnology in the U.S. and abroad. She also worked with regulatory officials in the U.S. and abroad to eliminate trade barriers in key markets overseas. She is currently a member of the U.S. Department of Commerce Advisory Committee on Supply-Chain Competitiveness.
According to Yves Rey, GFSI chairman and corporate quality general manager for Danone, "Karil's appointment in North America is an important step in reinforcing GFSI's presence in the region. She will be a key point of contact for the Initiative and will strengthen its links to the numerous regulatory developments taking place."
