Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Over 2 decades of global experience at executive level translating food science and technology insights into valuable innovation and growth opportunities. Diverse experience across the food value chain from flavours/ingredients, packaging, manufacturing to retail with a talent for leading technical and cross-functional teams towards a shared vision and purpose. Able to develop and deliver business strategies through a collaborative approach to navigating complex challenges and the utilisation of my thriving, global network. Experience in both developing and developed markets with multinationals as well as large family owned businesses. Moved to Australia to diversify my experience to include FoodTech start-ups and focus on my personal mission to enable a food system that nurtures both people and planet through innovation in alternative proteins. Serve on a variety of Boards and Committees looking to advance nutrition, food system transformation and the food science profession, all enabling me to use my skills and experience to deliver greater impact to the broader food industry.
Science & Technology Research Director overseeing a network of strategic fundamental and applied research programs through universities/ external agencies / start-ups / institutes. Lead a team of specialist scientists and experts to achieve the research agenda. Ensure these programs deliver on tangible product improvements and transformations to be closer to their meat targets, to ensure these happen timeously and that IP generated is leveraged. Responsible to translate these scientific breakthroughs and insights into product development through collaboration with internal R&D teams through rapid prototyping methodologies. Responsible to manage the external scientific reputation of v2foods through engagements in congresses, seminars, research publications etc. Long term research projects with CSIRO and universities Managing the science agenda
Highlights: Led the successful joining together of 2 R&D teams (Mane & Deli) while streamlining processes for project management. Championed the transition to a new Sub-Saharan Africa Innovation Centre. Lead Protein Transition Program – Africa focus. Lead a diverse R&D team including food and sensory scientists, flavourists, chefs, regulatory experts and project managers (40 in total) responsible for strategic innovation and product development across all Product Categories (Meat, Culinary, Beverages, Confectionery, Dairy & Bakery) to achieve greater market share and sustainable growth across Sub-Saharan Africa. Leverage global Mane technical expertise through networking and collaboration and apply this within a regional and African context. Manage an innovation insight-led process through market intelligence, trends research, benchmarking, collaboration with product development specialists and by listening and understanding needs of consumers and our customers. Manage development of innovation concepts and translate them into new product developments utilizing relevant Mane technologies and delivered through a project management process. Drive an efficient new product development process through balancing responsiveness to customer briefs with a proactive product renovation / improvement and breakthrough innovation agenda. Ensure all new product developments are compliant to all relevant laws and legislation. Responsible for management and operations of a state of the art, 3000m2 Africa Innovation Centre. Manage the R&D budget. Member of a Business Executive Leadership team.