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Max Koeune, president and CEO of McCain Foods, has been appointed co-chair of the Consumer Goods Forum (CGF), joining Tesco Group CEO Ken Murphy in leading the industry body for the next two years.

The CGF is the only global organisation that unites consumer goods manufacturers and retailers at the CEO level, representing more than 400 member companies across 70 countries, including Mondelēz International, Nestlé and Unilever.

The forum works to scale cross-industry collaboration on issues ranging from sustainability to supply chain resilience.

“It is an honour to join Ken as Co-Chair of The Consumer Goods Forum,” said Koeune. “I look forward to collaborating with leaders across the CGF’s global network to champion innovation and create positive impact at scale.”

Koeune’s appointment comes at a time when the global food and beverage industry is navigating evolving consumer expectations, decarbonisation goals and accelerating supply chain transformation.

McCain Foods, a major player in prepared potato products with a presence in over 160 markets, has been a vocal advocate for sustainable food production and regenerative agriculture.

The company is deeply involved in the CGF’s work, contributing to three of its major Coalitions of Action: Climate Transition, Food Waste and Plastic Waste. Koeune has also served as co-sponsor of the Food Waste Coalition for the past five years.

Koeune steps into the role previously held by Ramon Laguarta, chairman and CEO of PepsiCo, who is stepping down to prioritise other commitments. The CGF expressed its gratitude for Laguarta’s leadership, noting that PepsiCo will remain actively engaged in its programmes.

Wai-Chan Chan, managing director of the CGF, said: “McCain Foods brings deep industry expertise and Max’s insights will be instrumental in helping guide our efforts. With the co-chair’s strategic direction, I look forward to the CGF continuing its mission as a catalyst for meaningful progress across the consumer goods industry.”

Through its Coalitions of Action, the CGF is working to advance decarbonisation, reduce waste, accelerate circular packaging models and drive healthier lives, all areas where food and beverage businesses are under mounting pressure to deliver measurable progress.