The Private Label Manufacturers Association has added Jennifer Linke to its ranks as VP of association relations, a newly created executive leadership position.
In this role, Linke will lead PLMA’s member and retailer engagement, marketing and communications, and programs and events, with a focus on strengthening industry collaboration and expanding the year-round value PLMA delivers to its members, the New York-based association said Sept. 15.
Linke has more than 25 years of private brand and retail experience. Most recently, she served as VP of procurement at Union Supply Group, a division of Aramark, where she led supplier relationships, procurement, sourcing and private brand development. Before that, she was VP of retail at Aramark. Her background also includes senior leadership positions in brand and category management at Federated Group as well as merchandising, procurement and sourcing roles with Aldi USA and Sears/Kmart.
Linke has also been actively involved with Women Impacting Store Brand Excellence (WISE) since its founding in 2012 and served as the organization’s chair for three years.
“PLMA continues to evolve alongside a private brand industry that is growing in scale, sophistication and strategic importance,” said Peggy Davies, president of PLMA. “Jen’s leadership will help us build on that momentum by strengthening connections among our members, retailers and industry partners and creating more opportunities for collaboration, engagement and year-round value.”
A strategic appointment
PLMA said Linke’s appointment supports its broader BRIDGE strategy — Building Resilience, Innovation, Development, Growth and Excellence — which is guiding the association’s continued evolution as a year-round industry resource. The strategy focuses on strengthening industry leadership and insights, deepening member engagement, expanding education and professional development, fostering collaboration, and enhancing the value PLMA delivers to its members and the private label industry.
“I am honored to join PLMA at an important time for both the association and the private label industry,” said Linke. “I look forward to bringing my industry experience to PLMA and working with its members and retailers to identify new ways to connect, collaborate and grow.”
PLMA is a non-profit trade organization founded in 1979 to promote the store brands industry worldwide. With executive offices in New York and International Council offices in Amsterdam, PLMA represents more than 5,200 member companies in more than 80 countries. In addition to the Annual Private Label Trade Show in Chicago and its World of Private Label international trade show in Amsterdam, PLMA provides in person and online events including annual conferences, executive education and professional development opportunities.
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