- Overview of the current industry of food quality, regulatory and safety ecosystem and the interplay and evolution of regulatory frameworks, and consumers wants and needs
- The alignment of quality standards and the strategies employed to ensure consistent quality standards across various in house and purchase brands
- Exploring how to work closely with external suppliers to align their practices with our company’s stringent quality requirements
- Examining the role of technology, collaboration and education in the quality assurance and food safety systems of the future
Marlenea Jackson
VP of Quality, North America
Mondelēz International
Marlenea Jackson is a visionary Quality and Operations leader with a track record of transforming teams into high-functioning units. Currently serving as the Vice President of Quality, North America at Mondelēz International, she has amassed extensive experience across various leadership roles within the food and consumer packaged goods industry. Marlenea is renowned for her strategic leadership, fostering enduring partnerships, and implementing robust Quality and Food Safety programs that safeguard consumers while driving business growth. With a Bachelor of Science in Biology/Biological Sciences from Oklahoma Christian University, she is acclaimed for her adeptness in DMIAC methodology, lean manufacturing principles, and food safety audit schemes. Marlenea is lauded for her exceptional leadership, adept problem-solving skills, and ability to inspire teams to achieve organizational objectives.
Heidi Saunders
Senior Vice President Food Safety and Quality
Schwan’s Company
Heidi Saunders, a seasoned leader in global Quality and Food Safety, currently serves as the Vice President at Schwan’s Company. With a Bachelor of Science in Food Science and Technology from The Manchester Metropolitan University, she brings over two decades of experience in the food industry. Heidi’s journey includes pivotal roles at esteemed companies like C.H. Guenther & Son, Mondelēz International, and Kellogg Company, where she spearheaded quality initiatives across various regions. Her expertise spans from operational management to global quality strategy development. Recognized for her adeptness in driving compliance and fostering a culture of quality, Heidi is a catalyst for organizational excellence. She continues to shape the industry landscape through her unwavering commitment to food safety and consumer satisfaction.
Mitch Gilgour
Sr. Director Quality Assurance
Sysco
Mitch Gilgour is a Sr. Director, Food Safety & Quality Assurance at Sysco. His current responsibilities include leading the team responsible for the design, development, and implementation of standardized food safety programs at Sysco’s broadline and QSR distribution centers in the USA and Canada. He also support’s Sysco’s international companies in their transition of their legacy branded products to Sysco brands. Mitch joined Sysco in June 1981 as a QA Technologist and has worked in FSQA during his tenure at the company except for an 18-month period supporting a Strategy project related to sourcing and category management.
He is a member of the International Association of Food Protection, serves on the International Foodservice Distributors Association Food Safety Committee and the BRCGS North American Advisory Board. He is married to Kelly and family includes son and daughter in law Patrick & Becky, son Michael and daughter Meghan. Patrick and Becky are parents of their grandchildren Everett, Eliza and Elliott.
Jorge Hernandez
VP Quality Assurance
The Wendy’s Company
Jorge Hernandez is the Vice President of Quality Assurance for the Wendy’s Company. As such, he is responsible for the design, implementation and leadership of the Food Safety, Quality Assurance and Regulatory Compliance Programs that impact suppliers, distribution centers and 7,250 restaurants in 33 Countries.
Previously, Jorge was the Chief Food Safety Officer at Wholesome International; he also served as the Sr. VP of Food Safety and Quality Assurance at US Foods Foodservice Distributor; and the VP of Food Safety and Risk Management at the National Restaurant Association.
Jorge has Degrees in Biology from Rockford University, Microbiology from the Centro de Estudios Medico-Biologicos in Mexico City, Mexico, Languages and Literature from la Universite de la Sorbonne, Paris, France and Executive Leadership from the Said School of Business at Oxford University in Oxford, England.
John Burns
VP Food Safety, Quality Assurance, and Compliance
Whole Foods Market
John Burns is the VP of Supply Chain Quality Assurance and Food Safety, at Whole Foods Market, with extensive experience in Global Food Production, Distribution and Regulatory Compliance. He oversees food safety and quality across Whole Foods’ vast network of suppliers, owned food production operations and distribution. John collaborates with peers and industry leaders on the integration of World Class food safety and quality programs in business. His expertise lies in developing robust programs for private label and non private label food categories in retail. He works extensively in international and domestic supply chains, emphasizing sustainability, trust and partnership. With a focus on fostering excellence, John spearheads initiatives to uphold industry-leading standards, nurturing global relationships and driving Whole Foods Market’s commitment to quality and product safety.
