Nestlé has named Laurent Freixe as CEO of Nestlé S.A. Feixe, currently the Executive Vice President and CEO Zone Latin America (LATAM), took over for Mark Schneider on September 1, 2024. Freixe joined the company in France in 1986. Since then, he has managed Zone Europe and held various positions including CEO of Zone Americas and CEO Zone Latin America. "I am privileged to have been given the opportunity to continue building and strengthening Nestlé, and I am excited to take on this responsibility."

Viral Shukla

Viral Shukla has assumed the role of President of the Institute of Food Technologists Student Association (IFTSA). The Ph.D. candidate received his undergraduate degree in food science and technology from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, holds a degree in Culinology under the requirements of the Research Chef's Association and has been a member of IFT for seven years. “IFT has been with me every step of my journey and has helped me grow as a scientist and leader. I look forward to shaping the future of IFTSA and ensuring that IFT is a community for all students in the science of food. You belong here at IFT,” shared the new President. 

Jana Schreuder

Because each president serves a one-year term, Shukla has replaced Chapman University’s Luuvan Hoang, who is now the IFTSA Immediate Past President, and later will be replaced himself by Jana Schreuder from Stellenbosch University in South Africa. Schreuder is the first President-elect from a non-U.S. institution and will begin her term on September 1, 2025. “I am extremely excited to be working alongside Viral and Luuvan in the IFTSA Office of the President. Viral is a strategic leader and I am excited to learn from him,” said Schreuder.

Roberto Olivi has been promoted to the role of Senior Vice President and Commercial General Manager for Bell Flavors & Fragrances Fragrance Division. He will direct the strategic vision and commercial growth of the company's Fragrance division.

Other promotions within the company include: 

• Kenny Enriquez is now Vice President of U.S. Fragrance Sales
• Emine Pargove has been promoted to Director of Quality - Flavors
• Jennifer Lucas will take over the role of Director of Marketing - Flavors

Craig Rouskey

Craig Rouskey is the new CEO of customized probiotic brand, Floré. Rouskey is the co-founder and CEO of renegade.bio and has more than two decades of experience in molecular biology, molecular and cellular immunology and medical microbiology. "As someone deeply passionate about the power of personalized health, I'm honored to step into the role of CEO at Floré and begin a shared vision for new standards of wellness,” said Rouskey. As CEO, Rouskey will look to expand the overall reach of the company and manage its strategic growth of precision custom synbiotics and gut health solutions in clinical and consumer markets. 

Sports nutrition ingredient formulation company, CarnoSyn Brands, has given its Director of Scientific Affairs, Dr. Di Tan, a new undertaking of Technical Sales. With a Master of Science degree in Nutrition Sciences from the University at Buffalo and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Food Science from Rutgers University, Dr. Tan has experience in scientific affairs, product development, raw material management, and research and development. 

Stuart Schuette

Lipari Foods has confirmed Stuart Schuette as its new Chief Executive Officer. Succeeding interim CEO John Boucher, Schuette will step into his new role on September 16 and join the Company’s board of directors. “I am excited to join Lipari Foods and help lead the Company in its next phase of growth... The Company’s incredible legacy and strong reputation in the market, differentiated value proposition, committed team of employees, and numerous growth avenues make Lipari a very compelling opportunity," said Schuette. 

Schuette's previous work experience includes over twenty years at US Foods where he held positions in sales, finance, and operations before becoming the Chief Operating Officer for over seven years. Prior to US Foods, Schuette held an executive position at Martin Brower, a subsidiary of Reyes Holdings.

Awards & Honors

The Council for Responsible Nutrition and Radicle Science announced the finalists for the inaugural Trailblazing Woman Award. The five nominees are:

• Rachel Brewer, Ph.D., Executive Director of Research and Development, USANA Health Sciences
• Lori Lauersen, Senior Vice President of Global Research and Development, Unilever Health & Wellbeing Collective
• Amy Mozingo, Vice President of Scientific and Regulatory Affairs, SGS Nutrasource/GRAS Associates
• Yasmeen Nkrumah-Elie, Ph.D., Global Director for External Research, ChromaDex
• Taneesha Routier, J.D., regulatory lawyer and compliance expert, XYMOGEN

“These Trailblazing Woman Award finalists all reflect the dedication and commitment to high ethical and quality standards that exemplify the values of our CRN member companies—and they have demonstrated the power of elevating and inspiring other women in the dietary supplement and functional food space,” said Gretchen Powers, Vice President Marketing and Member Experience, CRN. “It was no easy task for our judges to arrive at five finalists from the many nominations received. CRN is fortunate to have such strong leadership within our membership. We are excited to announce the winner at CONVERGENCE '24 in Salt Lake City, October 9-11.”