Veteran association executive built strong record at News Media Alliance

The $14 million-revenue Consumer Brands Association has hired longtime association leader David Chavern as its next CEO, effective Jan. 3, the organization announced Tuesday. Chavern currently leads the News Media Alliance, which along with the affiliated American Press Institute reported $13 million revenue in 2021. Former CEO Geoff Freeman left Consumer Brands last summer, after rebranding it and setting it on a new course, to lead the U.S. Travel Association.

In a statement, CBA praised Chavern for "a proven record of achievement in growing associations and making them indispensable to their members."

"We are pleased to welcome David to Consumer Brands, an organization doing the important work of continuing to unite and champion the CPG industry," board chair Jeff Harmening, chairman and CEO of General Mills, said in a statement.

"The board is committed to Consumer Brands' direction and future and is looking for David to build on a strong foundation and to accelerate the great momentum we have seen in recent years." 

Freeman took on CBA's predecessor organization, the Grocery Manufacturers Association, in 2018 as it struggled with the loss of major members. He set a new strategic direction and rebranded it as the Consumer Brands Association. At least some departing members have since returned.

"The association has recruited 30 (consumer packaged goods) members and retained all CPG companies over $500 million in sales, growing organization revenue by 23%," the association said in its statement. "Today, Consumer Brands represents 73 CPG companies with nearly 2,000 brands from across industry sectors—cleaning, personal care, food and beverage products."

Chavern has led the News Media Alliance since 2015, having rebranded it and broadened its focus from the newspaper industry to include digital media. Before that, he was president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Center for Advanced Technology & Innovation. He also was the Chamber's EVP and chief operating officer from 2007-14.

"It is a privilege to be chosen to represent an industry that matters to every American, every day," Chavern said in a statement. "I have watched the incredible turnaround of Consumer Brands over the last three years and am honored to carry the association into its next phase and elevate the CPG industry that I am proud to now call myself a part of."

Chavern has a law degree from Villanova University's School of Law and an MBA from Georgetown University.

Executive recruitment firm Spencer Stuart assisted in the search.