Liza (John) Ninan Email & Phone Number

• Led key Research and Development (R&D) initiatives for the Hillshire Snacking and Gallo / Galileo Salami brands. Led cost optimization projects while maintaining product quality. Skills Demonstrated: Product.
• As subject matter expert was accountable for spearheading key R&D new product development initiatives while also driving cost-optimization projects.
• Assumed elevated responsibility as interim Senior Manager for Hillshire Snacking brands for 11 months, overseeing and managing a diverse portfolio of projects. Lead development of R&D strategy for the Hillshire.
• Responsible for prioritizing, planning, and executing projects within a business unit. Hands on with direct product development activities as well as mentoring other scientists.
• Interfaced with cross functional teams including marketing, insights, operations, engineering, FSQA to execute projects. Identify new opportunities that align with the business strategy and align on success criteria.
• Applied Six Sigma methodologies in identifying and implementing transformative initiatives.

• Tyson Foods/ Hillshire BrandsPlayed key role in multiple base and innovation R&D projects for Hillshire Snacking, Hillshire Brands, Ball Park, and Jimmy Dean. Used critical thinking, problem solving, comfort with.
• Supported multiple product lines and processes. Leverage knowledge related to ingredients, product formulation and food processing to support best in class development of innovative products. Partnered with strategic.
• Identified and drove innovation that provided a competitive edge in the industry.
• Worked with and strongly influenced marketing, sensory, culinary, Food Safety and Quality and suppliers to ensure on time startup of cost optimization or new product development projects.

• HILLSHIRE BRANDS/ SARA LEESupported all stages of product and process development across Food Service / Jimmy Dean / Hillshire Farm and National Account Customers. Skills Demonstrated: Product development Raw and fully.
• Cover all stages of product and process development including writing new product specifications, ensuring regulatory labeling and food safety requirements are met.
• Execute development process with activities that include benchtop development, pilot plant testing, scale- up production at plants and final commercialization at production facility.
• Develop culinary samples/ prototypes of new product, modify existing product/ process and develop specifications.
• Support product development needs for both Retail and Food Service customers. Work with cross functional teams to ensure development of a customer centric product. Ensure cost structure meets the financial expectations.

M.S., Food Science

Bachelor Of Engineering - Be, Food Processing And Preservation Technology