Maria Velissariou

Dr. Maria Velissariou is the Global Corporate R&D VP & Chief Science Officer for Mars, Incorporated. Previously she was Chief Science and Technology Officer at the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) where she was responsible for setting the strategic agenda and overseeing Science, Technology and Policy Initiatives. Prior to joining IFT, Maria has had a 25-year global corporate career including R&D positions at PepsiCo Nutrition and Kraft Foods. A values-driven leader, Maria has been an advocate for STEM and Diversity.