NEW YORK — Peggy Davies has been named acting president of the Private Label Manufacturers Association (PLMA), succeeding longtime leader Brian Sharoff, who died in May following a brief illness. He was 77.

“For four decades, Brian was the face of PLMA,” said Lisa Manzoline, director of sales for Reynolds Consumer Products and chairman of the board of directors of PLMA. “It is now our responsibility to focus on the future. As the board of directors, we understand this is a difficult and challenging time for many different reasons. We have full confidence that Peggy Davies will be a capable and dynamic leader of PLMA at this crucial juncture — one who is familiar with our member base and the unique challenges we face for the remainder of 2020 and into 2021.”

Since 2016, Davies has been vice president of association relations at the PLMA. Prior to that, she held leadership roles at McCain Foods and Birds Eye Foods, Inc. She joined the PLMA board of directors in the early 1990s. During two terms, she was on or chaired the programming, trade relations and communications committees. She was elected board chairman for two terms from 2003 to 2004.

“Peggy has the experience and qualifications needed and is 100% ready to carry forward the important work of the association from day one, as the executive board conducts a search to determine a permanent successor,” Manzoline said.

Sharoff led the PLMA as president for nearly 40 years, joining the association in 1981, shortly after its founding. Under his leadership, the association grew from 200 member companies in the United States to more than 4,400 worldwide. Prior to joining the PLMA, Sharoff was executive vice president of the Metropolitan New York Retail Merchants Association for five years and served three terms as a member of the New York State legislature. He also held teaching positions at St. Joseph’s University, Rutgers University and The New School of Social Research.

“Under Brian Sharoff’s tremendous focus and dedication, the Private Label Manufacturers Association has grown to become a vital and essential resource for suppliers and retailers around the globe,” Manzoline said. “Brian’s leadership will be greatly missed.”

Founded in 1979, the Private Label Manufacturers Association provides services to more than 4,500 member companies in 75 countries. The association offers two annual trade shows in Chicago and Amsterdam, as well as conferences, executive education programs, market research studies and publications.