Laurie Winward

Laurie Winward has extensive work experience in the food and beverage industry. Laurie started their career at Mars Chocolate North America where they held multiple roles, including Director of Research and Development (R&D) for Ice Cream and Snacks, and Senior Product Development Manager for Chocolate Innovation and Baked Categories. During their time at Mars, Laurie successfully improved quality, food safety, and cost of goods sold (COGS), achieving a zero-defect rate and double-digit reductions in consumer issues.

Laurie then joined Sabra Dipping Company, LLC as the Global Director of Product Development. In this role, they drove extraordinary brand growth in the Hummus, Yogurt Dips, Salsa, and Guacamole categories. Laurie's strategic planning, based on consumer insights and behaviors, contributed to the company's nearly 170% growth. Laurie also ensured high product quality and consistency across international markets and collaborated with other business units to maintain consistent standards.

After their tenure at Sabra, Laurie became the Vice President of Culinary Innovation at Jamba Juice. Laurie revitalized the brand through revolutionary product development, providing visionary strategic direction and improving brand relevance and consumer demand. Laurie's leadership played a key role in doubling the company's stock price.

Currently, Laurie holds the position of Vice President of R&D, Quality, and Regulatory at Bevolution Group. Laurie is responsible for the development of the product portfolio from concept to commercialization, as well as ensuring regulatory compliance and quality and food safety across three production plants. Laurie also leads the overall beverage strategy and all innovation efforts at the company.

Throughout their career, Laurie has demonstrated a strong commitment to innovation, strategic planning, and achieving business goals.

Laurie Winward has a Bachelor of Science degree in Food Science from Penn State University. Additionally, they have undergone executive training in Food Science at Harvard Business School and Technical/Innovation Executive Training at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology - Sloan School of Management. Laurie also completed an Ice Cream Short Course at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and pursued a Baking Production Track and Cookie Ingredient Technology at the American Institute of Baking.

In terms of certifications, Laurie Winward has obtained a PCQI Certificate from the Food Safety Preventive Controls Alliance (FSPCA) in July 2020. Laurie is also currently certified as a Manager by ServSafe Certified, although the specific details of this certification are not provided.