PLMA Appoints Jennifer Linke As Vice President, Association Relations

The Private Label Manufacturers Association (PLMA) announced the appointment of Jennifer Linke as vice president, association relations, a newly-created executive leadership position.

In this role, Linke will lead PLMA’s member and retailer engagement, marketing and communications, and programs and events, with a focus on strengthening industry collaboration and expanding the year-round value PLMA delivers to its members.

Linke brings more than 25 years of private brand and retail experience to PLMA. Most recently, she served as vice president of procurement at Union Supply Group, a division of Aramark, where she led supplier relationships, procurement, sourcing and private brand development. This follows her role as vice president, Retail at Aramark.

She previously held senior leadership positions in brand and category management at Federated Group and held merchandising, procurement and sourcing roles with Aldi USA and Sears/Kmart.

Linke has also been actively involved with WISE since its founding in 2012 and served as the organization’s Chair for three years.

“PLMA continues to evolve alongside a private brand industry that is growing in scale, sophistication and strategic importance,” said Peggy Davies, president of PLMA. “Jen’s leadership will help us build on that momentum by strengthening connections among our members, retailers and industry partners and creating more opportunities for collaboration, engagement and year-round value.”

“I am honored to join PLMA at an important time for both the Association and the private label industry,” said Linke. “I look forward to bringing my industry experience to PLMA and working with its members and retailers to identify new ways to connect, collaborate and grow.”

New Strategy

Linke’s appointment supports PLMA’s broader BRIDGE strategy — Building Resilience, Innovation, Development, Growth and Excellence — which is guiding the Association’s continued evolution as a year-round industry resource. The strategy focuses on strengthening industry leadership and insights, deepening member engagement, expanding education and professional development, fostering collaboration, and enhancing the value PLMA delivers to its members and the private label industry.

Upcoming Trade Show

PLMA is gearing up for its 2026 Private Label Trade Show on Nov. 15-17 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Chicago.

This year’s theme, “Store Brands Marketplace,” is a nod to the thousands of retailers, manufacturers and sourcing partners assembling over two days to curate products and restock and expand store brand programs in all formats, organizers said.

Keynote speakers include John Conlin, senior vice president of merchandising, food & beverage at Target and Abby Cook, senior vice president of Own Brands for Ahold Delhaize USA.

Go here to learn more about this event.