Kurt Callaghan

Kurt Callaghan has a diverse background with experience in various roles and industries. Kurt began their career as a Wealth Management Summer Intern at Merrill Lynch in 2007. Kurt then worked as a Sales Support Intern at LineDrive Unlimted before transitioning to the financial sector as an Associate Financial Analyst at Johnson & Johnson, where they managed business segment finances and developed forecasting models. Kurt later became a Financial Analyst for IT Shared Services at Johnson & Johnson, where they led cross-functional teams and implemented currency hedging and billing initiatives.

In 2011, Kurt joined TMK IPSCO as a Marketing Analyst, where they conducted market research and analysis to identify product development opportunities. Kurt also implemented market demand models and played a pivotal role in strategic investment decisions.

Since 2012, Kurt has been with Ingredion Incorporated, where they have held various roles of increasing responsibility. Kurt started as a Senior Business Analyst, leading financial valuations for new product development and technology initiatives. Kurt then became a Project Manager, overseeing a significant headquarters renovation project. Kurt subsequently took on the role of Marketing Manager for Global Sweetness Innovation, where they created and managed a multi-million-dollar business portfolio. Kurt then became the Senior Manager of Strategic Marketing for Global Sugar Reduction, leading the strategy development and execution, including the acquisition of PureCircle.

In 2019, Kurt was promoted to Vice President of Pride (LGBTQ+ Business Resource Group) before transitioning to become the Global Strategic Lead for Sugar Reduction. In this role, they led product and portfolio strategy, integrated marketing and product management functions, and developed data-driven analytics and go-to-market strategies. Kurt's most recent position at Ingredion Incorporated is the Global Strategic Director for Sugar Reduction, where they continue to drive strategy and oversee the stevia business.

Throughout their career, Kurt has showcased strong leadership skills, strategic thinking, and a track record of successful project execution. Kurt has also demonstrated a talent for driving innovation and growth opportunities within the food and beverage industry.

Kurt Callaghan holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business, which they obtained between 2014 and 2017. Prior to that, they completed a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Finance at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, graduating in 2009. In 2008, they briefly studied Commerce at University College Dublin.