The International Dairy Foods Association, Washington D.C.-Clay Hough and Gerald "Chip" Kunde join as senior vice presidents. Hough will oversee all aspects of IDFA's international trade, regulatory and scientific affairs, as well as becoming IDFA's general counsel. Prior to joining IDFA, Hough was an associate and partner for 13 years in the public policy practice group at the law firm of Patton Boggs LLP, where he specialized in commodity and trade policy. Kunde joins IDFA as the senior vice president in charge of legislative affairs, economic policy, grassroots activity and the Ice Cream, Milk and Cheese political action committee (PAC). Kunde joins IDFA after serving as a v.p. at the Grocery Manufacturers of America for the past six years. In addition, IDFA has hired Elayna McKenzie as director of marketing. McKenzie takes on primary responsibility for local marketing efforts of MilkPEP. She will help manage national promotions at the local level by developing local extensions and local brand programs. Before joining IDFA, she served as a senior brand manager for the Coca-Cola Company, where she managed the national strategic direction for several products.
Takasago International, Rockleigh, N.J.-Philip Russell named senior flavor chemist in the Flavors Division and Thalia Kalamaridis promoted to senior mgr. of customer service of the same division.
Buckton Scott Nutrition, Fairfield, N.J.-Chris Nolte named western sales mgr. He has been with Buckton Scott since 2000. Previously he held sales management positions at Takkeda Vitamin and Food. Also, William Redwood joins as sales mgr. He brings 12 years of experience with Ajinomot.
The Steritech Group Inc., Charlotte, N.C.-Richard Ennis appointed v.p. of the company's food safety division. He brings 15 years of marketing and operations experience in the hygiene products and services sector. He was previously marketing director of Kimberly-Clark Corporation's business-to-business washrooms division.