GMDC bestows top honor to longtime Unilever exec

ORLANDO, Fla. — The Global Market Development Center has awarded Jerry Brown its 2012 Lifetime Achievement Award. The honor was given on June 3 during the "Dinner with the Chairman" at the 42nd Annual 2012 General Merchandise Conference in Orlando, Fla.

The GMDC Lifetime Achievement Award was initiated in 1995, during the 25th anniversary of the association, to honor individuals who have been industry leaders and made significant contributions to the general merchandise and health beauty wellness categories during their careers. The Lifetime Achievement Award recipient is recognized primarily for contributions to the industry as a whole, but also for his or her contributions to their own company and GMDC. The selection of the annual recipient is made by a special committee comprised of past GMDC chairmen of the board who are still active in the Association and the GMDC executive committee.

Jerry Brown began his business career with Johnson & Johnson Baby Products. In 1980, he began a career with Chesebrough's — Pond, Ragu Packaged Foods Division. He held numerous field and internal positions in three of Chesebrough's (now Unilever) Division — Ragu (Foods), Chesebrough Health and Beauty, and Prince Matchabelli (Cosmetics and Fragrances).

In 1996, he assumed a position in the industry and customer development department with Unilever. He was promoted to VP industry and customer development for Unilever home and personal care in 1998. Jerry ended his tenure in December 2011 leading Unilever’s industry and customer development team. Jerry is currently serving on numerous industry committees and on the advisory boards including: GMDC, NACDS, RILA, FMI, CIES, NGA, IGA, SIFE, and BEEP. Brown also served as GMDC HBW advisory board chairman, membership advisory board chairman, and was a longtime director of the Education Leadership Council.

"Jerry has been an incredible contributor to GMDC and our industry for decades," GMDC president and CEO Dave McConnell said. "His recognition this evening is not only well deserved ... it is an incredibly popular selection amongst his peers and partners."