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Search Paris, 20 November 2025, The Consumer Goods Forum (CGF), the only CEO-led organisation that convenes both manufacturers and retailers globally, has announced Max Koeune, President & CEO of McCain Foods as a new Co-Chair for the next two years, effective today. Max Koeune will serve alongside Ken Murphy, Group CEO of Tesco plc, jointly helping to spearhead the CGF’s role as a catalyst to drive better lives through better business.
The CGF brings together CEOs from more than 400 member companies across 70 countries – including Ahold Delhaize, Carrefour, Mondelēz International, Nestlé and Unilever – providing a unique platform for creating and scaling collaborative solutions to address pressing industry challenges.
McCain Foods is a global leader in food production, with over 68 years of experience and a presence in over 160 countries. Guided by their purpose – celebrating real connections through delicious, planet-friendly food – the company is committed to quality, innovation and sustainability, particularly in its leadership in prepared potato products.
McCain Foods is already an active member of the CGF, participating in three Coalitions of Action – the Climate Transition, Food Waste and Plastic Waste Coalitions, contributing industry insights and shaping collaborative responses to shared challenges and opportunities across the consumer goods sector. Additionally, Max Koeune has been the Co-Sponsor of the Food Waste Coalition for the past five years.
Max Koeune, President & CEO of McCain Foods, said: “At McCain, we believe food plays an important role in people’s lives, with the power to bring individuals, families, and communities together. It is an honour to join Ken as Co-Chair of The Consumer Goods Forum. I look forward to collaborating with leaders across the CGF’s global network to champion innovation and create positive impact at scale.”
This announcement follows the decision of Ramon Laguarta, Chairman and CEO of PepsiCo, to step down from his Co-Chair role to focus on other priorities. The CGF sincerely thanks Ramon for his leadership, partnership and continued support. PepsiCo remains an active and committed member.
Wai-Chan Chan, Managing Director of The Consumer Goods Forum, added: “McCain Foods brings deep industry expertise and Max’s insights will be instrumental in helping guide our efforts. With the Co-Chairs’ strategic direction, I look forward to the CGF continuing its mission as a catalyst for meaningful progress across the consumer goods industry.”
About The Consumer Goods Forum
The Consumer Goods Forum (“CGF”) is a global, parity-based industry network that is driven by its members to encourage the global adoption of best practices and recommended standards that serve the consumer goods industry worldwide.
Its members are the CEOs and senior management of some 400 retailers, manufacturers, service providers, and other stakeholders across 70 countries, and it reflects the diversity of the industry in geography, size, product category and format.
Its member companies have an estimated revenue exceeding €5.2 trillion and directly employ nearly 10 million people, with a further 90 million related jobs estimated along the value chain.
The CGF is led by a Board of Directors formed of 54 CEOs – evenly split between retailers and manufacturers.
