“GFSI auditing is one of AIBI’s fastest growing services, representing about 20 percent of all our food safety related revenue,” said Andre Biane, president and chief executive officer 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 Sept 1. She will step down as AIBI’s vice-president for food safety services innovation.
In her new role, Lopez will focus on improving the effectiveness and efficiency of Global Food Safety Initiative (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 said. “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 said.
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 coordinator, director of food safety education, vice-president of food safety education, and most recently vice-president for food safety services innovation. She is recognized internationally in the food industry as an enthusiastic trainer and a prolific author of technical publications.
