Former GMA President, CEO and visionary George W. Koch, has passed away. In 1966, Koch became CEO of GMA and lead the company until 1990. After joining GMA, George soon made a name for himself, rebranding and revitalizing the organization while changing its focus, and turning GMA into a Washington public policy powerhouse. During the 24 years he led GMA, his many accomplishments included his part in developing the Universal Product Code. The UPC is considered one of the greatest advances in retailing history.

“George Koch’s record of achievement as an industry leader and public policy professional is legendary. GMA and our nation’s capital would not be what they are today without George. The entire CPG industry and the world of government relations have experienced a great loss with the news of his passing,” stated GMA President and CEO Pamela G. Bailey.

“Guided by his vision for the organization and his commitment to personal integrity, George earned the respect of policymakers on both sides of the aisle as he built GMA into a powerhouse for advocacy and innovation,” Bailey continued. “Today, his legacy lives on at GMA, as we continue to work towards upholding his high standards of effective leadership, professionalism and integrity.”

Bailey reflects, “GMA staff and his many industry friends will miss the man who brought so much recognition and honor to the association, its member companies and the advocacy profession. On behalf of the industry, I offer our heartfelt condolences to George’s wife Helen, his six children and 14 grandchildren.”

George Koch was well known as a patriarch of modern day government relations and a mentor to some of the most influential advocacy professionals in the nation.

GMA was honored to present Koch with the inaugural Leadership in Public Policy Award this past July, according to a statement from GMA. The award will henceforth be named the George W. Koch Leadership in Public Policy Award in his honor.

AndNowUKnow would like to extend our deepest condolences to George's family and friends.