The American Cleaning Institute (ACI) announced that its president and CEO, Melissa Hockstad, will step down from her position to lead the Consumer Brands Association. Hockstad joined ACI in January 2017 and has led the association for the last eight years. ACI has announced that it will initiate a search to identify a new leader.

Under Hockstad’s leadership, ACI experienced a transformative period of innovation and strategic growth. Her tenure saw the successful execution of key initiatives that enhanced member engagement, expanded its advocacy, communications, sustainability and science-based initiatives, and fortified the association’s position as an industry leader. She also played a critical role in navigating the association through the Covid-19 pandemic which had a substantial impact on the industry.

“I am incredibly grateful to have had the privilege to lead this extraordinary organization,” says Hockstad. “I am deeply proud of all that we have accomplished together, and I am continually inspired by the dedication and passion of our members, leaders, and staff.

“While it is time for me to move on to new opportunities, I leave with immense gratitude for the relationships I’ve built and the milestones we’ve achieved together to shape the future of the cleaning products industry. I am committed to ensuring that the upcoming leadership transition for ACI is as seamless and successful as possible.

“The American Cleaning Institute will be well-positioned for continued success and achievement because of the tremendous group of individuals that make up Team ACI. I will never forget our time together and for the foundation that we have built over the past eight years.”

“The ACI Board of Directors extends its deepest gratitude to Melissa for her exceptional leadership and vision during her tenure,” says Eric Reynolds, EVP and COO of The Clorox Company, and chair of ACI’s Board of Directors. “Thanks to Melissa’s strategic execution and the remarkable efforts of her team, ACI is now, more than ever, the powerful and united voice for the cleaning product supply chain, representing the interests and needs of our diverse membership with great impact.”

As the ACI Board begins the search for a new CEO, Hockstad will remain in her position through December 13 to ensure a smooth transition. ACI will form a Board of Directors-led Search Committee to oversee the search process that will commence later this fall.