Speakers

Mahir is a Master in Chemical Engineering from Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi and currently is a Vice President at PepsiCo leading Global FSQA (Food Safety and Quality Assurance) Organization based in New York.

Mahir has four years of work experience in Unilever, India and then 28+ years of experience with PepsiCo. He has worked in Supply chain operations, EHS (Environment , Health and Safety) , R&D, Digitization and most of all in Food Safety and Quality Assurance across three continents – India, Dubai and USA. He is currently responsible for formulating and implementing strategic plans for all Food Safety and Quality initiatives across the entire product portfolio ( Snacks, beverages, Dairy, Bread and meat snacks in over 1300 company-owned and third-party manufacturing sites around the globe.

With deep-rooted knowledge across product categories and differing regulatory and cultural environments, he plays a pivotal role in establishing rigorous standards and systems. He has shared countless lessons learned during his career. His innovative approaches ensure that PepsiCo consistently delivers products that not only meet stringent safety guidelines but also resonate with consumer expectations and satisfaction. Under Mahir’s guidance, the company’s commitment to food safety, quality assurance, compliance, and consumer trust remains unparalleled.

Mike Kuntz is a respected figure in the global food and beverage industry, known for his exemplary leadership and strategic acumen at Nestle, one of the world’s largest and most diversified food companies. With an extensive background in operations and management, Mike has played a pivotal role in driving Nestle’s success across various divisions and markets. His deep understanding of the industry coupled with his ability to navigate complex challenges has earned him a reputation as a results-driven executive. Throughout his tenure at Nestle, Mike has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to innovation and sustainability, spearheading initiatives that have not only propelled business growth but also contributed to positive societal and environmental impact. As a visionary leader, Mike Kuntz has championed a culture of excellence and continuous improvement within Nestle, inspiring teams to deliver best-in-class products and services while upholding the company’s core values. With his unwavering dedication and visionary leadership, Mike Kuntz continues to drive Nestle forward, shaping the future of the company and leaving a lasting legacy in the global food and beverage industry.

Ray Reddrick is Senior Vice President of Manufacturing and Distillation for Diageo North America. Diageo has an outstanding collection of more than 200 brands making the organization a global leader in the beverage alcohol industry. Jonnie Walker, Crown Royal, Bulleit, Smirnoff, Cîroc, Ketel One, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray, and Guinness represent a sample of the consumer products reach Diageo has across more than 180 countries.

Mr. Reddrick has developed a diverse background across several industries in the manufacturing and CPG supply space. Prior to joining Diageo in January of 2023, Mr. Reddrick consulted supporting Diageo’s strategic growth strategy for their domestic and international business. Mr. Reddrick has held supply chain leadership roles with Heartland Coca-Cola as the Vice President of Supply Chain where he played a critical leadership role in the total enterprise start-up of a new $700 million dollar Coca-Cola beverage manufacturing and distribution franchise business. Additionally, Ray has held critical supply chain leadership roles as director of manufacturing for PepsiCo, Land O’ Lakes, Data replication leadership with Sony where he executed the manufacturing acceptance testing for Sony’s Play Station format and the manufacturing liaison for Harmon Motive a tier one supplier of high-end transducers branded as JBL, infinity and Harmon Kardon. The Harmon Kardon premium products were specially engineered for Mercedes Benz, Nissan, Land Rover, Toyota, GM, and Fords high end product offerings installed at site automotive assembly locations across the US and Canada. Mr. Reddrick has over 30 years of manufacturing and supply chain experience transforming supply networks to deliver world-class businesses and operations results throughout his career.

Mr. Reddrick has extended his leadership talents outside of the manufacturing space providing leadership guidance, governance and strategic thought leadership while serving on the following boards:

South Fulton Georgia Chamber of Commerce (2008 – 2013)

Board of Directors Member
Executive Board Member

American Red Cross – Georgia (20011 – 2013)

Diversity Recruitment Board Member

Fulton Industrial Community Improvement District (2010 – 2013)

Executive Board Member – Commissioner Appointment
Appointed by Commissioner William Bill Edwards – Vice Chairman Board of Commissioners – Atlanta, Ga

Coca-Cola National Product Supply Bord Member (2019 – 2021)

Southeastern Container Company Board Member (2020 – 2021)

Illinois Manufacturer’s Association Board Member (2023 – Current)

Mr. Reddrick earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Technology – Manufacturing Systems from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in Greensboro, North Carolina.

North America is the largest business unit and market for Diageo contributing over 50% of the company’s operating profit. Diageo North America’s supply organization represents the leading producer of alcoholic beverages distilled, blended, matured, barreled, brewed, bottled, and warehoused in the market. North America operates over 12 domestic facilities across the United States, Canada and U.S.V.I.

Sara Mortimore is the former Vice President and Global Subject Matter Expert for Food Safety at Walmart Inc. In this role, Sara was responsible for the global development and oversight of all Food Safety programs and initiatives for the company’s more than 10,500 stores, manufacturing facilities, distribution, and fulfilment centers. A proud accomplishment was leading the team to be awarded the IAFP Black Pearl Award in 2024.

Prior to joining Walmart in May 2019, Sara held the position of Vice President of Product Safety, Quality and Regulatory Affairs with enterprise-wide responsibility at Land O’Lakes, Inc. In this capacity, she covered both human and animal foods and supported non-profit international development work.

Sara began her career with Glaxo SmithKline as a Research Technologist in Research & Development. In 1989, she joined Grand Metropolitan Foods, which later became Pillsbury and was subsequently incorporated by General Mills Inc. Here she led food safety, quality, and regulatory teams throughout international markets, including support of brands such as Haagen Dazs, Wanchai Ferry, Old El Paso, and Green Giant.

She is the co-author of several successful books, chapters and papers on HACCP and food safety management. Sara has served on the board of trustees for the Royal Society of Public Health, for the BRC International Advisory Board, and is a past member of the Global Food Safety Initiative Steering Committee.

Marlenea Jackson is Vice President of Quality, North America at Mondelez International, where she leads a team dedicated to ensuring the food safety and product quality across the region.  With more than 20 years of experience spanning Coca-Cola, Danone, and other major food companies, she ahs built a reputation for transforming organizations, strengthening compliance, and embedding quality as a value and driver of growth.  An Oklahoma native and graduate of Oklahoma Christian University, Marlenea is passionate about advancing food safety and champions programs that safeguard consumers while enabling sustainable business growth.