Wajira Ratnayake

Wajira Ratnayake is a seasoned professional in food science and technology, currently serving as the Global Director of Research & Development at Grupo Bimbo since August 2025. With extensive experience at Ingredion Incorporated from June 2014 to August 2025, Wajira held positions ranging from Senior Manager in Research, focusing on specialty food ingredients, to Business Scientist in Global Research & Technology. Wajira also contributed to academia as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln from May 2006 to July 2024, engaging in research on dry bean utilization, starch chemistry, and functional ingredient development. Wajira's research career began with a Postdoctoral Research Associate position, emphasizing starch functionality and ingredient research. Wajira holds multiple degrees, including a Ph.D. in Food Science and Technology from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, an MBA from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, and a Master's degree in Food Science from Memorial University.