Vivek Cherian
Commercial VP and Growth Officer - Cocoa and Chocolate (Indulgence) North America Division at Cargill
Professional Overview
Vivek Cherian is an accomplished business leader with over 15 years of experience in the food and agriculture industry. As the Commercial VP and Growth Officer for the Cocoa and Chocolate (Indulgence) North America Division at Cargill, he is responsible for driving strategic growth and innovation in the company's indulgence product lines. Cherian's expertise spans commercial strategy, product development, and supply chain optimization, allowing him to deliver measurable business impact.
Experience Summary
Current Role
In his current role, Cherian oversees the commercial operations and growth strategies for Cargill's cocoa and chocolate indulgence products in the North American market. He is responsible for aligning the business's go-to-market approach with evolving consumer trends and customer needs, while ensuring operational excellence and profitability. Cherian's leadership has been instrumental in expanding Cargill's market share and strengthening its position as a leading provider of premium cocoa and chocolate solutions.
Career Progression
Cherian's career journey with Cargill has been marked by progressive growth and increasing responsibilities. Prior to his current role, he served as the Global Product Line Director for the Global Edible Oils and Fats Division, where he successfully drove the development and commercialization of innovative product lines. He has also held strategic advisory roles at Intello Labs and CUBIQ FOODS, further expanding his industry expertise and network.
Earlier in his career, Cherian held positions in corporate strategy and development, as well as in pricing and cost control, at Cargill and other organizations. His versatile background, combined with his strong analytical and problem-solving skills, has enabled him to make valuable contributions across various functions and business units.
Academic Background
Cherian holds an MBA in Strategy, Finance, and General Management from the University of Virginia Darden School of Business. He also earned a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) degree in Electrical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, demonstrating his strong academic credentials and commitment to continuous learning.
Areas of Expertise
- Commercial strategy and growth planning
- Product innovation and portfolio management
- Supply chain optimization and operational excellence
- Market analysis and customer-centric approach
- Strategic advisory and cross-functional collaboration
Professional Impact
Cherian's strategic vision and execution excellence have been instrumental in driving Cargill's growth and market leadership in the cocoa and chocolate indulgence segment. He has spearheaded the development and launch of several successful new product lines, while enhancing operational efficiency and profitability. His industry insights and thought leadership have earned him recognition as a trusted advisor within the food and agriculture ecosystem.
Conclusion
With his impressive track record, deep industry expertise, and collaborative leadership style, Vivek Cherian is well-positioned to continue driving transformative growth and innovation at Cargill. His commitment to creating value for customers and shareholders makes him a valuable asset in the company's pursuit of sustainable success in the evolving food and agriculture landscape.
