Michael Linares

Michael Linares has extensive work experience in the food industry. Michael started their career as a Sales Representative at Unilever (Van den Bergh Foods) in 1993 and then joined Bunge as a National Accounts Manager in 1995. In 2007, they moved to Ventura Foods and held various roles, including Senior National Accounts Manager, Director National Accounts, and currently serves as the Director of Commodity Sales. In addition to their work in the industry, Michael Linares is also a Board Member of the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) Cactus Section.

Michael Linares holds a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, which they obtained from 2020 to 2023. Michael also has a Master of Science degree in Food Science and Technology from Washington State University, earned from 1991 to 1993. Furthermore, they achieved a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Nutrition and Dietetics, as well as an Associate's Degree in Business Management, both from the University of Nevada, Reno, from 1987 to 1991. Additionally, they have obtained multiple certifications from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, specializing in areas such as value chain management, operations management, mergers and acquisitions, managerial accounting, marketing strategy, investment banking, and strategic leadership and management.