The National Restaurant Association announced the appointment of Roy Jackson as Executive Vice President of Development and Industry Relations. Jackson, a longtime industry executive with deep expertise in strategic account management, operations, and enterprise sales recently retired after more than 20 years in various leadership positions at the Coca-Cola Company. In this new role, he will be focused on leading several Industry Alliances, strategic development for the Association, and Membership growth. Jackson and his team will work on behalf of the Association’s members to advance the priorities of the restaurant industry.

“We are excited to have Roy lead the Membership and Industry Relations teams at the National Restaurant Association,” says Dawn Sweeney, President and CEO of the National Restaurant Association. “Roy’s strong relationships and deep expertise in strategic account management will help to take the National Restaurant Association to the next level.”

“Roy brings to our team such diverse and insightful experiences and engagement with the foodservice industry, we know he will add further momentum to the transformative changes we’ve already begun to deliver,” added Terry Erdle, Chief Operating Officer of the National Restaurant Association.

Prior to joining the National Restaurant Association, Jackson served as Senior Vice President, Business Development & Industry Affairs for Coca-Cola North America, Foodservice and On-Premise Division. Previous engagements with Coca-Cola include roles as Central Zone Vice President and General Manager for 21 states in the Central United States.  He currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Advisors for the Multicultural Foodservice and Hospitality Alliance (MFHA), and is a Trustee of Union College in Schenectady, NY.

Jackson comments, “I am honored to be joining our industry’s most critical organization and to be part of such an accomplished team.  It’s a privilege to help advance the causes and continue to support the Industry I have so thoroughly enjoyed and am grateful to be part of for the past 30 years. Leading on Industry related issues has been my passion throughout my career at The Coca-Cola Company and through various Industry associations. I am excited to contribute further with the National Restaurant Association.”

Jackson earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Union College and a Master of Public Administration from Columbia University, School of International Affairs.  Jackson is a native of New York City and he currently resides in Atlanta with his wife, Suzanne and their two sons Brian (28) and Kyle (26).