Eric Foss has been elected chief operating officer of the Pepsi Bottling Group.

Eric Foss has been elected chief operating officer of the Pepsi Bottling Group where he will oversee the company's US and Canadian businesses, worldwide manufacturing operations, corporate strategy and worldwide information technology. Most recently he served as president of PBG North America. Gary Wandschneider has been named executive vice president, worldwide operations.

ConAgra Foods elected Gary Rodkin as president and chief executive officer and made him a member of its board of directors. He was most recently chairman and chief executive officer of PepsiCo Beverages and Foods North America.

Ken Barbet has been named president of Big Rock Brewery. Formerly he was president and CEO of the Nova Scotia Liquor Corp.

Ventura Foods acquired the Marie's dressings and Dean's dips businesses from the Deans Foods Co. The $198-million transaction includes the Marie's brand and manufacturing facility in Thornton, IL, and a long-term licensing agreement whereby Ventura Foods will have the right to use the Dean's trademark on dips.

Universal Food and Beverage Co. appointed Dr. Charles Sizer as vice president of research & development. His most recent position was director of the National Center for Food Safety and Technology at the Illinois Institute of Technology.

The Hain Celestial Group is purchasing Spectrum Organic Products, Inc. Spectrum is a California-based manufacturer and marketer of natural and organic culinary oils, vinegars, condiments and butter substitutes, as well as essential fatty acid nutritional supplements.

Mark Darby joined Dapec, a producer of poultry and food processing equipment, as operations manager.

BEMA, the baking industry suppliers association, and the American Bakers Association have formed a lobbying partnership to address the government regarding mutual baking industry interests. BEMA also recently moved its administrative headquarters. It can now be reached at 7101 College Blvd., Suite 1505, Overland Park, KS 66210; 913-338-1300.

Dr. Craig Henry has been named senior vice president of scientific and regulatory affairs and chief science officer for the Food Products Association. Henry joined FPA in 2003 as vice president of food safety programs.