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EXPERT ID: 1612
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Food R&D & Technology Executive | Global Food Manufacturing, Safety & Quality Leadership | Driving Innovation, Productivity & Strategic Growth Across CPG and Ingredients

Overview

A veteran food industry executive recognized for building and leading high-impact R&D, quality, and technology organizations within complex global enterprises. Career experience includes executive responsibility for large divisional R&D operations, ingredient innovation, and corporate technology strategy. Brings a pragmatic, business-driven approach to innovation, acquisition support, and operational improvement across the food value chain.

Short Bio

Food industry R&D and technology leader with deep expertise in food science, manufacturing productivity, and safety systems. Extensive executive experience across major global food companies and advisory roles supporting innovation, growth, and operational excellence.

What I Bring

  • Executive-level leadership in food R&D, technology, and quality organizations

  • Proven linkage of scientific innovation to commercial and operational results

  • Deep expertise in food safety, regulatory, and quality systems

  • Strategic insight into acquisitions, new ventures, and technology investments

  • Trusted advisor to global manufacturers and emerging food businesses

Key Technologies & Product Expertise

  • Food processing and manufacturing systems

  • Product formulation and ingredient innovation

  • Food safety, QA/QC, and regulatory compliance

  • Packaging and engineering development

  • Pilot plant and scale-up operations

  • Microbiological and analytical services

Titles Held

  • Food Industry Consultant, Consulting LLC (2019–Present)

  • Consulting Partner, YourEncore, Inc. (2007–2019)

  • Executive Vice President, Technology/R&D/Quality, ConAgra Refrigerated Foods (2003–2006)

  • Vice President, Technology and Product Development, ConAgra Food Ingredients (1998–2003)

  • Vice President, Product and Process Development, ConAgra Grocery Products (1995–1998)

  • Vice President, Breakfast Division R&D, Quaker Oats Company (1990–1995)

  • Vice President, Technology and New Business, Quaker Oats Company (1988–1990)

  • Director, Technology and New Business, Quaker Oats Company (1985–1988)

  • Manager of Product Development, Hormel Foods (1983–1985)

  • R&D Development Leader, General Mills, Inc. (1974–1983)

Career Highlights

  • Led R&D, quality, and technology functions for a $2B refrigerated foods division

  • Directed large multidisciplinary R&D and QA organizations across multiple plants

  • Supported major food industry clients through technology development and productivity initiatives

  • Played key roles in acquisitions, integration, and new business creation

  • Advanced food safety, quality, and regulatory capabilities across global operations

Education & Professional Certifications

  • Ph.D., Food Science, University of Minnesota (1980)

  • M.Ag., Food Science, University of Minnesota

  • B.S., Food Science, University of Minnesota

Languages

English- Native

Impact

  • Drove enterprise-wide R&D, technology, and quality strategies for multi-billion-dollar food businesses, directly enabling sustained growth, margin improvement, and portfolio expansion.

  • Built and led large, high-performing R&D and QA organizations, translating food science, safety, and regulatory excellence into scalable commercial results.

  • Enabled successful acquisitions, integrations, and new business launches through rigorous technology assessment, due diligence, and post-acquisition execution.

  • Elevated food safety, quality systems, and manufacturing productivity across global operations, reducing risk while accelerating innovation speed-to-market.

  • Served as a trusted executive advisor to leading food manufacturers and emerging ventures, shaping long-term innovation pipelines and competitive advantage.

Experience

51

Years of Experience

Fields of Expertise