Leslie G. Sarasin is president and chief executive officer of The Food Industry Association (FMI). FMI is a champion for the food industry and works with and on behalf of the entire food industry to advance a safer, healthier and more efficient consumer food supply chain.
Under Sarasin’s leadership, FMI has emerged as a member-centered organization helping food retailing venues find new and future facing ways of feeding families and enriching lives. Her vision of cooperative action amplifies FMI’s ability to assist its members in addressing the critical industry issues of the day.
Prior to joining FMI more than a decade ago, Sarasin spent 19 years at the American Frozen Food Institute, serving as president and CEO for the last nine of those years. She also held positions at the National Food Brokers Association, Crest International Corporation and Salomon Brothers. Sarasin holds a J.D. from the University of San Diego and a bachelor’s degree in economics from Smith College.
She serves on the boards of the Partnership for a Healthier America, National Chamber Foundation, the Congressional Hunger Center, the Corporate Advisory Board of So Others Might Eat (SOME) and Gonzaga College High School. Her other leadership roles include membership on the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Committee of 100 and participation in the International Women’s Forum of Washington, D.C.
Sarasin has been recognized multiple times among Supermarket News’ “Power Fifty,” Progressive Grocer’s list of “Top Women in Grocery” and Mass Market Retailer’s “Most Influential Women.” She was awarded the prestigious Hospitality Good Scout Award by the Boy Scouts of America in 2019. In 2021, Sarasin was named “Association CEO of the Year” by CEO Update.