ARLINGTON, Va. – The Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) announced today that it will award its 2019 Hall of Achievement Award to Donald R. Knauss and Richard K. Smucker. Mr. Knauss is the former chief executive officer and chair of The Clorox Company; Mr. Smucker is executive chair of the board, and former chief executive officer, of The J.M. Smucker Company.
The Hall of Achievement Award, the consumer packaged goods industry’s highest honor, recognizes the service and extraordinary contributions of distinguished consumer packaged goods industry leaders. Both Mr. Knauss and Mr. Smucker were active and long-serving members of the GMA board of directors.
Don Knauss served as chair & CEO of The Clorox Company from October 2006 until November 2014 and executive chair from November 2014 to June 2015. Mr. Knauss held previous positions with Coca-Cola North America, PepsiCo, Inc. and Procter & Gamble. Mr. Knauss also served as an officer in the United States Marine Corps.
“Over the course of his distinguished career, Don became a titan of our industry,” said GMA President and CEO Geoff Freeman. “Don’s exemplary leadership, tireless work ethic and commitment to his community are just a few of the reasons he is so deserving of this recognition.”
Richard K. Smucker is executive chairman of the board of The J.M. Smucker Company. He served as chief executive officer from August 2011 through April 2016 and co-chief executive officer from February 2001 through August 2011. Mr. Smucker held previous board and trustee positions with the Wm. Wrigley, Jr. Company, Sherwin-Williams, International Multifoods, the Cleveland Federal Reserve Bank, and is currently the president of The Cleveland Orchestra. He also served in the United States Army Reserves.
“As the fourth generation CEO of a publicly-traded, family-run business, Richard led The J.M. Smucker Company to new heights,” said Freeman. “Richard exemplifies the very best qualities of a purpose-driven leader, and his contributions to our industry have been invaluable.”
The 2019 Hall of Achievement Award will be presented at GMA’s annual Leadership Forum on August 15.
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The Grocery Manufacturers Association represents the world’s leading consumer packaged goods companies. The CPG industry plays a unique role as the single largest U.S. manufacturing employment sector, delivering products vital to the wellbeing of people’s lives every day. GMA’s mission is to empower the industry to grow and thrive. For more information, visit gmaonline.org.
