Saji Poespowidjojo

Saji Poespowidjojo has extensive experience in the food industry, spanning over 18 years. Saji is currently the Director of R&D at La Terra Fina since March 2022. Prior to that, they worked as the Product Development Manager at La Terra Fina from July 2020 to April 2022. Saji also held various positions at Ajinomoto Foods North America, Inc., starting as the Manager for Product Introduction from March 2016 to July 2020. During their time at Ajinomoto Foods North America, they achieved significant accomplishments such as a 75% reduction in scrap and improved product quality through process modifications. Before joining Ajinomoto Foods, Saji worked as the Manager of Global Product Innovation & Design at Kagome USA, Inc. from August 2015 to March 2016 and as the Manager of Consumer Insights & Innovation from July 2013 to August 2015. At Kagome, they oversaw the development and commercialization of shelf-stable sauces for national accounts, as well as identified areas for improvement in R&D processes and spearheaded a relocation project for a new R&D and Culinary Innovation Center. Prior to that, Saji was the Director of Product Development at Maverick Brands LLC, where they led the launch of several lines of shelf-stable retail products. Saji also worked as a Project Manager - Culinary Innovation & Development at Kagome from February 2009 to July 2012, leading the creation of new flavors and sauces. Saji started their career as a Food Technologist at Mattson and worked as a Line Cook at Viognier. With their diverse experience and accomplishments, Saji has developed expertise in R&D, product development, project management, and process optimization.

Saji Poespowidjojo completed a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Physiology & Neuroscience from UC San Diego between 1998 and 2000. Following this, they pursued professional development in Organizational Leadership through the Harvard Division of Continuing Education. Saji also engaged in studies related to Food Science and Technology at Kansas State University, although the specific timeframe is not provided. Their education continued with culinary training at the California Culinary Academy, which was completed by 2003. In terms of additional certifications, Saji obtained the Certified Product Manager (CPM) qualification from AIPMM The Association of International Product Marketing and Management in March 2020.