Laurie Winward
Professional Summary
Professional Overview
Laurie Winward is an accomplished executive with extensive experience in innovation, research and development (R&D), and product development across the food and beverage industry. As the Vice President of Innovation and R&D at Sunny Sky Products, she leverages her deep technical expertise and strategic vision to drive the development of innovative, market-leading products.
Experience Summary
Current Role
In her current role as Vice President of Innovation and R&D at Sunny Sky Products, Laurie is responsible for leading the company's research and development efforts, overseeing the ideation and creation of new products, and driving the implementation of innovative processes and technologies. She has spearheaded the launch of several successful product lines, contributing to the company's growth and industry recognition.
Career Progression
Prior to her current position, Laurie held various leadership roles in product development and innovation, including Vice President of Culinary Innovation at Jamba Juice, Global Director of Product Development at Sabra Dipping Company, and several senior positions in R&D and innovation at Mars Chocolate North America. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a strong track record of developing and launching innovative products that have resonated with consumers and driven business success.
Academic Background
Laurie holds a Bachelor's degree in Food Science from Penn State University, a Master's degree in Food Technology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and an MBA from Harvard Business School. Her academic achievements and specialized knowledge have been instrumental in her ability to navigate the complexities of the food and beverage industry and drive transformative change.
Areas of Expertise
Laurie's areas of expertise include product development, food science, culinary innovation, market trend analysis, and the implementation of advanced technologies to enhance product quality and efficiency. She is adept at leading cross-functional teams, fostering collaboration, and translating strategic vision into tangible results.
Professional Impact
Throughout her career, Laurie has made significant contributions to the food and beverage industry. She has led the development of numerous award-winning products, including the launch of a line of plant-based dips and spreads that have been recognized for their unique flavor profiles and nutritional benefits. Laurie's industry insights and thought leadership have also been featured in various publications and industry events.
Conclusion
With a career spanning over two decades, Laurie Winward has established herself as a distinguished leader in the food and beverage industry. Her passion for innovation, coupled with her deep technical expertise and strategic vision, make her a valuable asset to Sunny Sky Products as the company continues to push the boundaries of product development and market success.