Brian J. Miller has joined plant-based burger maker Impossible Foods as chief people officer. Mr. Miller will oversee recruiting, development and retention. He reports directly to Dennis Woodside, president of Impossible Foods.
Prior to joining Impossible Foods, Mr. Miller spent 10 years at Foster City, Calif.-based Gilead Sciences, which is a biotechnology company. He held numerous leadership roles, most recently as vice-president for talent, development and inclusion. Before that, he worked for Amgen where he was global head and director of learning and development. He was founder and chief executive officer of E3-Services, a consulting firm specializing in integration of digital strategies and human resources departments.
Mr. Miller received a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Pacific and a master’s degree in education from Harvard University.
“Brian has a long track record of helping ambitious, mission-driven companies scale up quickly while keeping employees highly motivated,” Mr. Woodside said. “In addition to his experience at some of the world’s biotech pioneers, Brian also has put in the hard work of being a founder and c.e.o. We’re confident that he has the stamina and ambition to help Impossible Foods as we enter ‘hypergrowth’ mode.”
Mr. Miller is the latest executive to join the company. Recent executive hires at Impossible Foods include Jessie Becker, senior vice-president of marketing; Dan Greene, senior vice-president of U.S. sales; Sheetal Shah, senior vice-president of product and operations; and Ravi Thakkar, vice-president of product management.
By Erica Shaffer
Source: Food Business News
Danone has appointed Carla Hilhorst to the newly created position of senior vice president of research and innovation categories and zones, as the company looks to make science the heart of its business. Hilhorst, who brings over 30 years of experience in research and innovation, will report directly to Isabelle Esser, Danone’s chief research, innovation, quality and food safety officer.
The move, part of Pernod Ricard’s strategy to enhance its premiumisation efforts, will allow the company to focus more resources on its portfolio of premium international spirits and champagne brands that drive the growth of its business. This decision aligns with the company’s commitment to delivering sustainable value for shareholders, employees, clients and partners.
Schai – who is the current CEO of Swiss chocolate company Lindt & Sprüngli’s Australian operation – has previously worked with Aryzta from 2015-2018, where he served in roles including managing director for Asia Pacific and global strategic business lead (McDonald’s). The fast-food giant McDonald’s is one of Aryzta’s significant clients.
