Global Sr. R&D Category Manager - Alternative Proteins - Griffith Foods
(2023-06)
Lead the global alternative protein R&D portfolio, directing innovation strategy, technology development, and commercialization activities across multiple regions. Responsible for a global organization comprising 3 regional R&D leaders and a portfolio of 22 innovation programs focused on next-generation protein technologies, including clean-label egg alternatives, methylcellulose-free binding systems, and nutrient-fortified protein solutions.
- Lead global R&D strategy and innovation roadmap development for the alternative protein business, aligning technology investments with commercial objectives, customer needs, and emerging market opportunities.
- Direct a global organization through 3 regional Alternative Protein R&D leaders, overseeing a portfolio of 27 innovation programs spanning product development, technology platforms, and commercialization initiatives.
- Spearhead the development and industrial scale-up of breakthrough technologies, including clean-label egg replacement systems, methylcellulose-free plant-based meat binders, and nutrient-fortified protein solutions designed to meet regulatory, sensory, and functional requirements.
- Partner with global customers to co-create innovation roadmaps and deliver differentiated solutions from concept through commercialization, strengthening strategic relationships and accelerating business growth.
- Drive portfolio governance, prioritization, and resource allocation processes to improve execution, focus investment on high-impact opportunities, and accelerate delivery of innovation objectives.
- Build and manage strategic partnerships with research institutions, technology providers, suppliers, and emerging startups to expand innovation capabilities and access new technologies.
- Collaborate across commercial, marketing, regulatory, operations, and supply chain functions to ensure successful execution of innovation programs from ideation through market launch.
- Represent the R&D organization in executive leadership forums, customer engagements, and industry events, serving as a technical leader and trusted advisor in alternative protein innovation.
Sr. Manager, Product Development – Alternative Meats - NotCo
(2022-09 - 2023-05)
Led product development and industrial scale-up activities for the Kraft Heinz–NotCo Joint Venture, overseeing a portfolio of plant-based meat innovations from development through commercialization. Promoted from Manager within 5 months.
- Directed product development strategy, team leadership, and execution across multiple plant-based meat programs supporting joint venture growth objectives.
- Accelerated commercialization and scale-up activities by applying scientific rigor, risk assessment, and evidence-based decision making to development and manufacturing challenges.
- Led organizational development initiatives including talent planning, succession management, and capability building to strengthen team performance and long-term growth.
- Mitigated critical global plant protein supply chain risks, ensuring business continuity and uninterrupted delivery of key innovation programs.
- Delivered employee engagement results, exceeding organizational benchmarks and earning a 97% leadership effectiveness rating.
- Led fast-track commercialization of plant-based hot dogs, dinner links, breakfast sausage patties, and breakfast sausage links, supporting rapid market expansion for the Kraft Heinz–NotCo portfolio.
Manager, Product Development – Alternative Meats - NotCo
(2022-04 - 2022-09)
Leadership team member responsible for product development and commercialization activities supporting the Kraft Heinz–NotCo Joint Venture, delivering innovative plant-based products from concept through full-scale production.
- Led end-to-end product development and commercialization programs, managing priorities, resource allocation, operational budgets, timelines, and delivery of strategic business objectives.
- Directed cross-functional teams through feasibility, development, scale-up, and commercialization of a portfolio of plant-based meat products, leveraging AI-driven product development platforms to accelerate formulation, optimization, and commercialization.
- Developed product and technology strategies that enabled successful execution of New Product Introduction (NPI) programs from concept through full-scale manufacturing.
- Built and led high-performing R&D teams across multiple locations, fostering accountability, collaboration, and a culture of continuous improvement.
- Expanded organizational capability through strategic hiring, talent development, and succession planning to support a rapidly growing innovation pipeline.
- Served as a strategic advisor to executive leadership, providing recommendations on innovation priorities, resource allocation, risk management, and commercialization strategies.
- Led cross-functional risk assessment and mitigation planning to address technical, operational, and supply chain challenges while maintaining project timelines and business objectives.
Product Commercialization Manager – Pork Category - Beyond Meat
(2021-11 - 2021-12)
Recruited to lead commercialization activities for Beyond Meat's alternative protein portfolio, serving as the primary cross-functional leader responsible for advancing products from late-stage development through industrial scale-up and commercialization.
- Directed cross-functional teams through commercialization planning, manufacturing readiness, and scale-up activities supporting New Product Introduction (NPI) programs.
- Developed commercialization performance metrics, feasibility assessment tools, and data-driven reporting frameworks to improve project visibility and decision making.
- Partnered with executive leadership, R&D, Operations, Supply Chain, and Quality teams to align priorities, mitigate risks, and accelerate product launch readiness.
- Established process development tools including root-cause analysis methodologies, design of experiments (DOE) for manufacturing trials, and process specifications supporting operational excellence.
Sr. Scientist | Manager – Alternative Protein - Tyson Foods
(2019-12 - 2021-09)
Led breakthrough innovation and technology development programs for Tyson Foods' alternative protein portfolio, driving initiatives from concept through commercialization across retail and QSR channels. Promoted from Food Scientist II within 11 months.
- Served as the lead technical expert for alternative protein programs across Tyson brands, resolving formulation, processing, and scale-up challenges while advancing strategic innovation priorities.
- Led development and execution of alternative protein technology roadmaps, translating emerging science, consumer insights, and market trends into commercially viable innovation opportunities.
- Commissioned and scaled a multi-million-dollar, five-head twin-screw high-moisture extrusion system, significantly expanding Tyson's plant-based protein manufacturing capabilities.
- Converted research findings into strategic business initiatives generating an estimated $0.87–$1.00 per SKU across more than 11 commercialized products.
- Led a critical capital investment and asset transformation strategy supporting operational simplification, compliance, and long-term technology capability development.
- Established and managed strategic collaborations with startups, universities, research institutes, suppliers, and technology providers to accelerate innovation and evaluate emerging technologies.
- Advanced organizational capabilities in alternative proteins and cell-based technologies through technology scouting, research leadership, and external partnerships.
- Named inventor on two provisional patents supporting alternative protein innovation initiatives.
Food Scientist II – Raised and Rooted - Tyson Foods
(2019-01 - 2019-11)
Project lead for Tyson Foods' Raised & Rooted platform, leading development and commercialization of early alternative protein products including the company's first blended burger and plant-based nuggets.
- Served as Lead Scientist for Tyson Foods' first Raised & Rooted blended burger, directing product development and commercialization efforts that helped establish the company's entry into the alternative protein category.
- Contributed to the development and launch of Tyson's first Raised & Rooted plant-based nuggets, supporting formulation, scale-up, and commercialization activities.
- Led product and process development activities utilizing extrusion technology to deliver targeted sensory, nutritional, operational, and cost objectives.
- Developed and optimized plant-based and blended protein formulations while supporting successful scale-up and commercial manufacturing implementation.
- Partnered with Operations, Marketing, Insights, Culinary, FSQA, Procurement, and Sales teams to deliver new product launches and continuous product improvements.
