Burns Appointed as GMA Vice President, Health and Nutrition Policy

Dr. Burns is a recognized leader in the nutrition community. He has authored numerous consumer education articles and peer-reviewed scientific publications.

Oct 20 2011 --- Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) President and CEO Pamela G. Bailey has announced the appointment of Robert Burns, Ph.D., as GMA Vice President, Health and Nutrition Policy.

"I am very pleased to welcome Dr. Burns to GMA,” said Ms. Bailey. “Health and nutrition policy is critically important to GMA and its member companies and Dr. Burns clearly has the scientific expertise and proven leadership skills to take our work in this area to an even higher level of success.”

Dr Burns most recently was owner of Nutrition Implications, LLC, a consulting business, where he helped food organizations and companies develop strategic approaches to nutrition and health, including engagement with external stakeholders and development of research programs and communication initiatives.  Prior to that, he held nutrition leadership roles in Cadbury Schweppes and Mead Johnson where he worked with cross-functional business and technical partners to develop and execute nutrition and wellness strategies.

Dr. Burns is a recognized leader in the nutrition community.  He has authored numerous consumer education articles and peer-reviewed scientific publications.  Most recently, he co-authored articles in the Journal Food Science and the Journal of The American Dietetic Association on translating the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans to bring about real behavior change.  Dr. Burnsis also an active member of the American Society for Nutrition, Institute of Food Technologists and The Obesity Society.

“I am thrilled to join the GMA team,” said Dr. Burns.  “GMA’s accomplishments and leadership in the health and nutrition policy arena are truly impressive and I look forward to working with the GMA staff and its member companies to build on that record of success.” 

Dr. Burns has a Ph.D. in Nutritional Biochemistry and a B.S. in Biochemistry, both from Queen’s University, Belfast, Northern Ireland.  Subsequent to his graduate studies, he conducted postdoctoral research fellowships at Nottingham University, U.K., and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Dr. Burns will report to Leon Bruner, GMA Senior Vice President for Scientific and Regulatory Affairs and Chief Science Officer.  He will begin his duties at GMA on November 14.