CHICAGO, June 26, 2026 — Mark S. Allen will retire as CEO and president of the International Foodservice Distributors Association (IFDA) early next year, the McLean, Virginia-based trade group announced Friday.
Allen has held the leadership posts for 22 years, and served 4.5 years beforehand as IFDA’s director of industry relations. He is also an alumnus of the Grocery Manufacturers of America.
IFDA said it has retained Spencer Stuart, the executive placement firm, to find the association’s next leader. Allen will continue to lead the group until the transition is completed, the association said.
“I have been fortunate to work alongside a dedicated IFDA team, a talented board of directors and an industry full of people who care deeply about serving their customers, communities and one another,” Allen said in a statement. “I am proud of what we have accomplished together and confident that IFDA is well-positioned for continued success.”
As Managing Editor for IFMA The Food Away from Home Association, Romeo is responsible for generating the group's news and feature content. He brings more than 40 years of experience in covering restaurants to the position.