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IFMA names Oberkfell COO, eventual successor to retiring chief exec Licata

CHICAGO —Lawrence Oberkfell has taken the newly created post of chief operating officer for the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association, based here.

Oberkfell is expected to succeed Michael J Licata, IFMA’s longtime president and chief executive, who plans to retire later this year. In the meantime, Oberkfell will oversee the trade group’s day-to-day operations and implement policies and objectives established by Licata and the IFMA board. —Lawrence Oberkfell has taken the newly created post of chief operating officer for the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association, based here.

“The plan is for me to be COO until Michael retires, which could be in about a year,” Oberkfell said late last year. “That will provide a transition period for the two of us.” —Lawrence Oberkfell has taken the newly created post of chief operating officer for the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association, based here.

Oberkfell said Licata also expects to remain involved with IFMA beyond his retirement by participating in various committees and serving on the board. —Lawrence Oberkfell has taken the newly created post of chief operating officer for the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association, based here.

“Obviously, we’re anxious to keep [Licata] involved because of his longevity,” Oberkfell said. —Lawrence Oberkfell has taken the newly created post of chief operating officer for the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association, based here.

Oberkfell said IFMA would continue to pursue long-term goals already established by the board. At the same time, he says, the association, in response to the economic downturn, is looking for “creative ways to bring value and benefits to its members.” —Lawrence Oberkfell has taken the newly created post of chief operating officer for the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association, based here.

He most recently was an operating partner of San Francisco-based private-equity firm GESD Capital Partners, which invests in consumer, restaurant, entertainment and business services industries. He also was executive chairman of Milton’s Holding Co., a bread and cracker company in San Diego. —Lawrence Oberkfell has taken the newly created post of chief operating officer for the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association, based here.

Previously, Oberkfell held several top posts at companies in the foodservice industry, including Schwan’s Food Co., Surebeam Corp., Anchor Food Products and Orval Kent Food Co. He served as president and chief executive for the latter three companies. —Lawrence Oberkfell has taken the newly created post of chief operating officer for the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association, based here.

Oberkfell also was an active member of the IFMA board and its executive committee. He served as chairman of IFMA’s board in 2002. —Lawrence Oberkfell has taken the newly created post of chief operating officer for the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association, based here.

Licata said, “We are confident that Larry will bring the leadership, energy and enthusiasm to move IFMA forward.” —Lawrence Oberkfell has taken the newly created post of chief operating officer for the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association, based here.

Licata was named to IFMA’s top post in 1977. Before that he had served as the executive secretary to the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare during President Gerald Ford’s administration and as an international trade specialist for the Department of Commerce. —Lawrence Oberkfell has taken the newly created post of chief operating officer for the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association, based here.

During his tenure at IFMA he helped transform it from a nearly bankrupt organization into one of the industry’s most influential trade groups with more than 400 members and a $10 million budget. —Lawrence Oberkfell has taken the newly created post of chief operating officer for the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association, based here.

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