Varun Khanna (MS,MBA)

Varun Khanna (MS, MBA) has a diverse work experience in the food industry. Varun began their career in 2006 as a Production Control Manager at H.J. Heinz Company. In 2007, they took on a Research Assistant role at the FDA. In 2008, they became the Research and Development Manager at Create A Pack Foods, where they developed a shelf-stable cheese sauce for the California School District lunch program. In 2011, they joined Leprino Foods as a Senior Product Developer, where they provided guidance to Associate Scientists and Technicians and wrote product labels per guidelines. In 2012, they joined Chobani as the Director of Innovation, where they championed multiple, simultaneous future Innovation pipeline projects within Dairy/Non-Dairy launches and served as the R&D lead for external co-packing opportunities. In 2020, they became the Global Innovation Director - Core & Plant-Based Ventures at Sabra Dipping Company, where they directed the development of new platforms and breakthrough innovations for $500M USD plant-based fresh dips and spreads. Finally, in 2022, they joined Fifth Season as the Vice President of Food Product I Packaging I Regulatory & Nutrition, where they established the Food Division, created a comprehensive Food product portfolio strategy, spearheaded initiatives to help triple top-line sales, and established a PPA strategy and product roadmap.

Varun Khanna obtained their Bachelor of Technology degree in Dairy Technology from the National Dairy Research Institute. Varun then pursued their Masters degree in Food Technology at the Illinois Institute of Technology. In 2014, they began their Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) at Boise State University, which they completed in 2016. During their time at Boise State University, they also obtained an Executive MBA in Business Administration and Management, General. Additionally, they obtained a certification in HACCP in 2009, and a certification in Total Quality Management from the Indian Institute of Management.