As a leading manufacturer in the frozen food industry, Ajinomoto Foods North America produces delicious, high-quality frozen foods that make it easy for families to live healthy, balanced lives. Products span across the ethnic foods categories of Asian, Mexican, and Italian, and are distributed through foodservice, grocery, warehouse club, and custom manufacturing. In this role Dave is responsible for manufacturing, food safety, engineering, continuous improvement, and all supply chain functions including procurement, operations planning, logistics, and customer service.

One of the pioneers of the organic food industry, Amy’s produces over 250 different organic vegetarian meals, including frozen entrees, pizzas, soups, candy and more. Amy’s products are sold in over 30 countries around the world. As a key member of the leadership team Dave is responsible for all manufacturing and supply chain functions including engineering, continuous improvement, sourcing, planning, logistics, and customer service.

Senior executive leader of supply chain functions including raw material sourcing, agricultural product sales, commodity hedging, energy supply, logistics, supply & operations planning, and customer service. Navigated challenges associated with increasing competitive pressures ensuring all business processes were aligned with customer's expectations and all employees were positively contributing to improving service while reducing costs.• Led development of the Customer Experience strategy. Established governance to evolve a cultural change and delivered significant improvements in customer satisfaction. Thought leadership recognized by external peer groups and customers.• Implemented Lean Management across Supply Chain. Coordinated cross functional Kaizen events to drive operational improvements, increasing productivity while improving the customer experience.• Strengthened people and organization capabilities. Reoriented the hiring process to ensure candidate selection was balanced between potential and skills. Created an organizational design that encouraged cross functional moves for employee development.

Appointed to lead all 13 manufacturing including Mexico to support a rapidly growing business. Challenged with aligning Corn Products and National Starch operations and culture. Implemented a strategic plan ensuring the manufacturing network was cost competitive, operationally sustainable, and supporting growth. • Served as a key member of the due diligence team in the acquisition of National Starch. Assessed the manufacturing platform and developed preliminary synergy estimates.• Led the optimization of the combined manufacturing network. Identified the optimal manufacturing configuration to meet production needs at lowest cost. Results contributed to record profits for the ingredients business.• Led an assessment of growth opportunities in sweeteners as a member of the Global Executive Program. The work resulted in launching the growth springboard for the business.

Promoted to improve productivity, costs, and employee engagement across the broader manufacturing network. Sponsored six continuous improvement teams and managed $100M/yr in capital. Actively participated in employee development and succession planning. Strengthened relationships with business management to better align with market needs and to support growth.• Stabilized operations at the largest manufacturing facility by establishing a management team with high degree of accountability and engagement. Aligned the plant operating philosophy with the other regional manufacturing plants. • Delivered $10 to $15M per year in manufacturing cost savings through active management of teams focused on yield, energy efficiency, supplies usage, and maintenance practices. Established KPI targets and ensured best practices were shared/implemented.