Yukiko Sakai

Yukiko Sakai has extensive experience in the dairy and food industry, currently serving as the Country Head for Leprino in Japan since October 2010, while also holding positions as Sr. Technical Manager and Technical Manager focusing on Product Development and Quality Assurance for Japan and South Korea. Yukiko has successfully launched numerous products tailored to customer needs, leveraging a deep understanding of local and global trends in cheese and nutrition. Prior roles include Nutrition Research and Development Scientist, where Yukiko was involved in creating formulations for sports nutrition beverages, and Nutrition Pilot Plant Manager, responsible for establishing a pilot plant while collaborating with product development teams. Yukiko's career began with a strong foundation in production management, overseeing both the whey protein and lactose production lines, and formally trained as a Management Trainee in cheese and whey departments. An educational background at Washington State University culminated in a Bachelor of Science in Food Science and Technology, coupled with experience as a Laboratory Assistant in a food microbiology lab.