Tharius Sumter

Tharius Sumter has extensive work experience in consumer insights and analytics, with a focus on the food and beverage industry. Tharius is currently serving as the Senior Director of Consumer Insights & Analytics at Central Garden & Pet since September 2021. Prior to this, they held various roles at PepsiCo, including Director of Insights Functional Development, Senior Director of Culture & Capability, and Marketing Director of Quaker-Frito Lay North America.

Tharius also has a background in global portfolio insights, having worked as the Director of Global Portfolio Insights at PepsiCo - Global Nutrition Group from 2015 to 2019. Tharius led the Insights agenda for innovation pipeline development and supported the growth of the Nutrition business through insights generation and capability building.

Before joining PepsiCo, Tharius worked at Kraft Foods, where they held roles such as Associate Director/Category Insights and Senior Research Manager. Tharius led insights for multiple brands and categories, managed research teams, and established company-wide processes for testing and shopper trends.

Tharius began their career as an Assistant Professor of Political Science at Washington & Lee University. Tharius also worked as an Independent Contractor, providing research and training consultancy services to organizations such as ORC/MACRO International, United Way of Atlanta, Common Focus, and Horizon Theatre.

Overall, Tharius Sumter's work experience spans across multiple industries and roles, with a focus on consumer insights, analytics, and strategy.

Tharius Sumter earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Politics and Communications from Oglethorpe University in 1997. Tharius then pursued a Master of Arts degree in Political Science from Emory University, which they completed in 2003.