Jerry Black, the President of Kurt Salmon Associates’ (KSA’s) Consumer Products Division (CPD), assumed the role of CEO, effective January, 2008. He succeeds Bill Pace, who has completed his second three-year term. The announcement was made by Kevin Parry, CEO of Management Consulting Group PLC (MCG), which acquired KSA in October 2007.

On behalf of the MCG Board of Directors, Parry said, “Jerry Black has worked in every facet of KSA’s consumer products practice. He understands KSA’s successful business model as well as our clients’ needs. His ability to deliver outstanding value to KSA’s clients ensures he will mentor upcoming leaders effectively.”

Black has been President of KSA CPD since 2006. Previously, he was Managing Director. He has held a series of senior positions during his 12 years with KSA, coordinating teams across KSA’s North American, European, and Asia-Pacific regions to ensure the most effective balance of services and skills for client assignments. Prior to joining KSA, Black worked with other global consulting firms and held executive positions with leading retailers.

Black began his KSA career in 1995 in Japan, where he built the firm’s Asia-Pacific practice. He directed the transformation of Japan’s leading retailer, Aeon, in the areas of merchandising, retail management, sourcing, and supply chain. Since relocating to KSA North America, Black has assisted many Fortune 500 companies by working with senior executives on major transformations, mergers, and acquisitions.

Commenting about his appointment, Black said, “KSA has the best group of consultants in the world. We do an outstanding job of delivering client benefits and we look forward to furthering KSA’s ability to deliver outstanding value to leading retailers and global consumer products companies. With the added strength and capabilities of the MCG companies, our clients will benefit from even greater high-value services.”

A popular speaker around the globe, Black has presented to executives in North America, South America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific on various executive management, supply chain, and logistics topics.

A native of Morgantown, West Virginia, Black received a bachelor’s degree from West Virginia University. He and his wife, Sayuri, and sons, Nicholas and Alexander, reside in Atlanta.

In addition to Black’s appointment, Parry announced that Mark Wietecha will continue to serve as Chairman of KSA and Jim Berarducci will continue as President of KSA’s Health Services Division (HSD).

Kurt Salmon Associates (KSA) is the premier global management consulting firm focused exclusively on the retail, consumer products, and health care industries. We work closely with our clients, providing tailored solutions and delivering accelerated value to create lasting distinction in their marketplaces.