Expert Details

Seasoned sensory and consumer science expert with decades of experience directing research programs and guiding global product portfolios across major food and beverage companies. Well-versed in qualitative and quantitative methodologies that reveal critical consumer and sensory drivers of product success. Known for establishing best practices, building sensory functions from the ground up, and developing high-impact training, protocols, and frameworks. Work spans innovation, quality improvement, margin enhancement, and cross-functional leadership within dynamic R&D environments. Brings a pragmatic yet scientifically rigorous perspective to solving complex consumer and product challenges.

Veteran sensory and consumer scientist specializing in product evaluation, consumer insight generation, and research strategy for leading CPG organizations. Recognized industry contributor, author, instructor, and mentor with a deep track record of methodological innovation and cross-functional impact. Delivers actionable guidance that accelerates product development and enhances product quality.

• Extensive leadership in global sensory and consumer research programs

• Deep expertise in qualitative and quantitative sensory methodologies

• Proven ability to build, audit, and elevate sensory science functions

• Strategic guidance for product innovation, quality improvement, and margin management

• Strong record of cross-functional collaboration across R&D, marketing, and quality teams

• Experience coaching and mentoring scientific professionals

• Established industry presence through publications, presentations, and committee leadership

• Ability to translate sensory and consumer insights into business-relevant decisions

• Sensory evaluation methodologies

• Consumer research (qualitative & quantitative)

• Sensory specifications & guidance protocols

• Product optimization frameworks

• KANO and benefits hierarchy research

• Shelf-life evaluation

• Packaging and structural design research

• Descriptive profiling and discrimination testing

• Cereal, bakery, confectionery, dairy, meat, grocery, snacks, beverages

• Principal, Consulting, LLC – Currently

• Director, Global Sensory and Consumer Science, Diageo (2020–2022)

• Adjunct Instructor, Dominican University (2017–2019)

• Section Manager, Consumer Science, Kraft Foods (2012–2015)

• Section Manager, Global Consumer Science, Kraft Foods (2010–2012)

• Section Manager, Perceptual & Applied Quantitative Sciences, Kraft Foods (2008–2010)

• Senior Marketing Research Manager, Kraft Foods (2004–2008)

• Principal Scientist, Kraft Foods (2001–2004)

• Associate Technical Principal, Kraft Foods (1995–2001)

• Manager, Product Performance, Brach’s Confections (1988–1994)

• Manager, Product Evaluation, Kellogg’s (1985–1988)

• Product Evaluation Specialist, Philip Morris (1983–1985)

• Developed and deployed comprehensive sensory and consumer science auditing systems

• Directed sensory and consumer research for billion-dollar business units and global portfolios

• Led training, methodological innovation, and best-practice development across global teams

• Guided major launches including new product lines, flavor optimization, and packaging redesign

• Managed multimillion-dollar research budgets and cross-functional scientific staff

• Introduced new sensory and consumer methodologies that advanced organizational capability

• Authored influential publications and ASTM manuals shaping industry standards

• Delivered global presentations, workshops, and instructional courses for industry organizations

• Awarded two packaging design patents and one trade secret in sensory science

• Enhanced research outputs through segmentation, ethnography, knowledge mapping, and design of experiments

• M.S., Food Science (Sensory Science), University of California, Davis

• B.S., Nutritional Science, Cornell University (Honors; Dean’s List)

• Principles of Marketing Research Certificate, University of Georgia

• Drove measurable business growth by transforming sensory and consumer research into actionable guidance that shaped product pipelines, improved product quality, and strengthened brand competitiveness.

• Elevated global R&D capabilities by introducing advanced methodologies, standardizing sensory guidance protocols, and leading major SOP modernizations adopted across multinational organizations.

• Enabled multimillion-dollar innovation and margin-enhancement initiatives through rigorous consumer insights, optimized testing frameworks, and strategic segmentation approaches.

• Strengthened organizational decision-making by mentoring scientific teams, building global training programs, and creating research infrastructures that improved efficiency, reliability, and cross-functional alignment.

• Advanced the sensory science field through influential publications, patents, industry presentations, and leadership roles that helped set professional standards and shape best practices internationally.

• Accelerated product readiness and consumer satisfaction by integrating qualitative, quantitative, and sensory analytics to minimize risk, optimize formulations, and ensure product–consumer fit across diverse categories.