CEO of PepsiCo Europe takes over as UNESDA president
Abdalla takes over from Luis Bach, president of Orangina Schweppes Europe, as the head of the trade association, which represents the interests of the soft drinks industry in Europe.
Assuming the two-year tenure as president at a UNESDA board meeting in Madrid, Spain, last week, Abdalla laid out three main priorities.
He said the association should focus on enhancing industry standing on health and environmental issues, demonstrating “the continued responsibility” of the sector and protecting the industry’s core products and reputation.
The new UNESDA president, who has been leading PepsiCo European operations since 2008, emphasised the importance active communication and sound science going forward.
“In particular we must ensure that rigorous science is used to underpin the reputation of our core products. I am also convinced that we need to get out there more and tell our good news story,” he said.
Meanwhile, Luis Bach leaves the role after a 2 year tenure that saw the Orangina Schweppes executive see through a number of initaitives at UNESDA.
A spokesperson for the trade association said: “Luis Bach key achievements aside from a greater online presence and new website are furthering the commitments made by UNESDA to the EU Platform for action on diet, physical activity and health by making commitments to act responsibly in the digisphere. Also, taking the first initiatives as an entire sector in the field of sustainability, starting with a commitment on recycling of PET.”
