Eric Vanderheyden

Eric Vanderheyden has a diverse work experience in the food industry. Eric started their career at Hillshire Brands, where they managed the marketing budget and provided reporting for strategic decision-making. Eric then transitioned into customer service account management roles, where they improved forecast accuracy and increased on-time arrival percentages, resulting in significant cost savings. At AdvancePierre Foods, Eric worked as a marketing manager, overseeing brand strategy, commercialization, and P&L management for various categories, achieving significant volume and profitability growth. In their most recent role at Tyson Foods, they served as a Senior Brand Manager, responsible for the overall brand strategy and commercialization process for the Deli and Sliced Philly Steak categories. Eric then advanced to the position of Director of Category Marketing at Ventura Foods in 2023.

Eric Vanderheyden earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from Illinois State University in 2005. Eric then pursued further education and received a Master of Business Administration degree from DePaul Driehaus College of Business, specializing in Brand Management, Organizational Leadership, and Entrepreneurship, between 2010 and 2012.