WASHINGTON —  Geoff Freeman will take the helm of the Grocery Manufacturers Association (G.M.A.) as president and chief executive officer on Aug. 1. He will replace Pamela G. Bailey, who announced her plans this past February to retire after 10 years leading the G.M.A.

Mr. Freeman is the president and c.e.o. of the American Gaming Association (A.G.A.), the trade association for the U.S. casino gaming industry.

“Geoff has a proven track record of building unity, creating successful engagement on complex issues and taking a proactive approach to advocacy that drives growth and expansion,” said William (Billy) Cyr, c.e.o. of Freshpet, Inc. and head of the G.M.A.’s search committee. “We look forward to benefiting from Geoff’s extensive experience in leading transformative change across industries as diverse as health care insurance, travel and tourism, and casino gaming.”

Prior to joining the A.G.A., Mr. Freeman worked as chief operating officer of the U.S. Travel Association.

“I’ve always been drawn to industries that have a close connection to consumers and am energized by the opportunity to play a role in driving the growth and evolution of one that is a vital part of people’s daily lives,” Mr. Freeman said. “I look forward to leading the development of strategies that firmly establish G.M.A. as an effective driver of growth and collaboration in our industry.”

Mr. Freeman joins the G.M.A. during a period of transition. A number of the food and beverage industry’s largest companies have discontinued their membership in the group, including the Campbell Soup Co., Nestle, Tyson Foods, Cargill, Dean Foods, Unilever and others.