ORLANDO, FLA. — Richard G. Wolford, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Del Monte Foods, has been named chairman of the board of directors of the Grocery Manufacturers Association.

“In this leadership role, G.M.A. and the larger C.P.G. industry will benefit greatly from Rick’s leadership, his proven business acumen and his commitment to serving the consumer,” said Pamela G. Bailey, president and chief executive officer of the G.M.A. “I look forward to working with him to advance G.M.A.’s ambitious agenda on behalf of our member companies and the entire consumer packaged good sector.”

Mr. Wolford’s term is for two years, and he was previously vice-chairman of the board of directors as well as chairman of the Industry Affairs Council for the G.M.A. He succeeds Douglas R. Conant, c.e.o. of Campbell Soup Co., as G.M.A. chairman.

The G.M.A. also elected four new members to the board of directors, including: William W. Douglas III, executive vice-president and chief financial officer for The Coca-Cola Co.; Tom Ferriter, president and c.e.o. of Bush Brothers & Co.; Melanie Healey, group vice-president, North America, The Procter & Gamble Co.; and Michael Mendes, president, c.e.o. and director for Diamond Foods, Inc.