ARLINGTON, VA. – FMI, The Food Industry Association, named a new leader for the business development portion of its food safety certification program, SQF.

As vice president of business development and strategy, Carey Allen will work to build SQF program awareness and focus on its expansion to further bolster consumer and retailer food safety expectations, according to FMI.

“Our investment in the (Safe Quality Food Institute) team comes at an exciting time when there are more than 11,000 SQF certified sites in more than 40 countries and six continents,” said Gigi Vita, FMI’s chief food safety assessment officer and senior vice president. “Carey’s strong background in food quality, manufacturing and product development complements our brand reputation in the food industry. Adding her experience and expertise to the SQFI team is the right investment to support the tremendous SQF growth.”

Most recently, Allen served as vice president of the food and agriculture division at SCS Global Services, where she led the growth and expansion of the food safety, product claims, social compliance and sustainable agriculture businesses by increasing market presence and advancing business capabilities through information technology and organizational design.

Previously, Allen led global product certification and supply chain food safety at NSF International, working with the global operating teams to increase efficiencies of scale and supporting technical leadership in regional markets.