Vice President, Global R&D Candidate

SEEKING A ROLE AS:
Executive / C-Suite R&D Leader specializing in Food Science, Nutrition Innovation, and Portfolio Transformation for small to mid-sized food processing or disruptor firms.

LOCATION:
Chicago, IL (Unable to relocate; open to remote, hybrid, and frequent travel).

CANDIDATE PROFILE:
A high-impact scientific leader with 25+ years of experience, including a 15-year tenure at PepsiCo as VP of Global R&D. This candidate brings a rare combination of top-tier scientific rigor and proven commercial P&L growth, having previously scaled an emerging nutrition business’s profitability by 187% in two years. A PhD-level expert in Biochemistry and Nutrition, she has led global health strategies for iconic brands like Quaker, Tropicana, and Gatorade, specializing in bridging the gap between scientific evidence and market-winning product claims.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS & SKILLS:
• Business Transformation & Growth: Demonstrated success in scaling an emerging business; increased sales by 23% and profitability by 187% for a functional ingredient division by reorganizing from OTC supplements to functional foods.
• Strategic Portfolio Management: Managed an expansive $91Bn global R&D portfolio, delivering the nutrition science strategy for major multinational brands and achieving 2025 sustainability and reformulation targets.
• Scientific Innovation & Patents: Internationally recognized researcher with 50+ publications and patents; expertise in gut health, lipids, metabolic wellness, and clinical trial management.
• Extensive experience leading teams of highly educated scientists and researchers in multidisciplinary environments, fostering talent development and organizational growth.
• Skilled in stakeholder engagement with policymakers, NGOs, academic institutions, and industry groups, including managing Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs).
• Global Regulatory & Market Access: Deep experience navigating international regulatory agencies (FDA, SFDA, TGA) to secure claims that build consumer trust and protect product equity.
• Digital Innovation: Led the digitization of nutrient data to enable advanced innovation modeling and real-world evidence for personalized nutrition tools.
• Industry Leadership: Co-chaired global research forums and currently serves on the Enterprise Ireland US Food Investment Advisory Board.

EDUCATION:
• PhD, Biochemistry and Nutrition – Dublin City University
• BSc, Biochemistry – University College, Dublin
• Transition from Functional to General Manager – University of Chicago Graduate School

COMPENSATION:
Base Salary: $300,000 – $350,000, subject to the scope of the position and its overall impact. Incentives: Target annual bonus 100% + Long-Term Incentive (LTI) program.

If you are interested in speaking with this R&D / Food Science leader who:
• Is looking to lead a Research & Development team
• Is eager to help your organization develop scientifically robust, health-oriented products based on her extensive experience managing global portfolios and driving innovation
• Is capable of leading strategic R&D initiatives, managing interdisciplinary teams, and fostering innovation through scientific expertise, then:
please contact Rhea Sharbono at rheas@kinsa.com for more information regarding this candidate. Thank you!
Contact:
Rhea Sharbono
rheas@kinsa.com
Worksite Preference:Onsite, Remote, Hybrid Onsite/Remote Combination
Employment Preference:Permanent, Board