FEMA Elects New President

WASHINGTONThe Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association (FEMA) announced the election of Raymond J. Hughes as president. Hughes is a flavor industry veteran, a member of FEMAs Board of Governors since 2000, and President and CEO of A.M. Todd Group.

In his role as the President of FEMA, Mr. Hughes will be leading the 101 year old Association to advance the business interests of its members in the United States and to maintain the industrys high level of trust and credibility with American legislators, regulators, customers, and consumers.

I am honored and delighted to serve the interests of our industry in Washington D.C., Mr. Hughes said, and will continue the important work in support of my peers who bring to the market products safely enjoyed by millions every day around the world.  Our industry has a robust and valuable representation in Washington D.C. and a great reputation with regulators and legislators.  It is my duty to continue this tradition with help of my colleagues on the FEMA Board of Governors and our Associations staff.

The FEMA Board of Governors consists of fourteen industry leaders and representatives of flavor companies and is elected annually.  In addition to Mr. Hughes, the members of the newly elected FEMA Board are: John Cavallo, Citrus & Allied Essences, Inc.; Hamed Faridi, McCormick & Company;  Joanne Ferrara, ConAgra Foods; Christopher E. Gibson, International Flavors & Fragrances, Inc.; Ed Hays, The Coca-Cola Company; Robert Pellegrino,  Givaudan;  Kevin Renskers, Takasago International Corporation (USA); George C. Robinson III, Ottens Flavors; Mark Scott, T. Hasegawa USA;  Arthur Schick, PepsiCo International; Gary Smith, Firmenich, Inc.; Howard Smith, Jr., Virginia Dare Extract Co., Inc.; and Tim Webster, David Michael & Co.