President of AIBI certification
Stephanie Lopez has been named President of AIBI Certification Services. She replaces Gary Skrdlant, who retired in August.
“GFSI auditing is one of AIBI’s fastest growing services, representing about 20 per cent of all our food safety related revenue,” says Andre Biane, president and CEO of AIB International. “Stephanie Lopez has a proven track record as a leader in food safety, in addition to an advanced understanding of the regulatory and technical issues related to the GFSI schemes.”
Lopez’s appointment is effective 1 September. She will step down as AIB International’s vice president for food safety services innovation.
In her new role, Lopez will focus on improving the effectiveness and efficiency of GFSI licensed products for clients of AIBI Certification Services. This will include tapping into additional expertise in Six Sigma business processes and ISO.
“Globally, AIBI Certification Services has several competitors,” Lopez says. “As a result we need to be more effective and efficient in the way we execute all the facets of these services, while also meeting ISO and scheme owner requirements.”
Due to the importance of and projected growth of GFSI in the global marketplace, Lopez is taking on this role at an exciting time.
“As we expand our GFSI services in China and Japan – and elsewhere across the globe – it’s my goal to ensure that we continue to be competitive in the marketplace,” Lopez says.
Lopez started her career in the food industry in 1993 and has led quality, sanitation, and product development teams for various international food companies. Since joining AIB in 2000, she has been a food safety auditor, HACCP co-ordinator, director of food safety education, vice president of food safety education, and most recently vice president for food safety services innovation. She is recognised internationally in the food industry as an enthusiastic trainer and a prolific author of technical publications.
AIBI Certification Services is a wholly owned subsidiary of AIB.
