Brian Sharoff, who led the Private Label Manufacturers Association as president for nearly four decades, died Saturday after a brief illness, Store Brands magazine reported. He was 77.

PLMA issued a statement over the weekend announcing Sharoff's death. The executive first joined the New York City-based group in 1981. He oversaw the growth of the association, opening offices in Amsterdam and Shanghai. He also helped grow the group's annual trade show in Chicago and its international show in Amsterdam, which represents label manufacturers from nearly 75 countries.

"Today is a sad day for the entire PLMA family," Lisa Manzoline, chairman of PLMA's board of directors, said in a statement to Store Brands. "Under Brian Sharoff's tremendous focus and dedication, the Private Label Manufacturers Association has grown to become a vital and essential resource for suppliers and retailers around the globe. Brian's leadership will be greatly missed."

Before joining PLMA, Sharoff was executive vice president of the Metropolitan New York Retail Merchants Association and served three terms as a member of the New York State legislature. He is survived by his wife, Judith, two children and five grandchildren.

MORE CEO DATELINE

• Groups decry EPA rule that ‘blunts' role of science at agency
• AEM creates task force to guide future of its trade shows
• Association seeks to increase diversity in construction industry
• Former AGA head David Parker dies
• Buses rally at nation's capital for federal aid