Nick Miller is a pioneering executive in innovation strategy, product development, and brand revitalization, whose dynamic career in the food and consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry reflects a rare synthesis of engineering discipline and marketing vision. With over a decade of experience leading breakthrough initiatives for some of America’s most recognized food companies, Nick has become a trusted architect of growth—helping brands scale intelligently, resonate with modern consumers, and stand resilient in a competitive market. His professional journey is underscored by a personal credo: “Transforming insight into impact,” a belief that actionable consumer understanding, when combined with operational know-how, can unlock scalable success.
Nick’s career began with a strong technical foundation, having earned a Bachelor of Science in Biological Food Process Engineering from Purdue University. This rigorous program equipped him with a deep understanding of the scientific principles behind food manufacturing, supply chains, and sustainable process design. During these formative years, Nick honed not only his technical skills but also his communication abilities through leadership roles in student organizations, including the Purdue Varsity Glee Club and its improvisational comedy troupe, The Crazy Monkeys. These early roles would shape his uniquely human-centered approach to innovation.
His professional debut was at Tyson Foods, where Nick first served as an R&D Process Engineer. Here, he quickly distinguished himself as a technical innovator, managing plant startups and co-manufacturer launches while bridging the critical gap between formulation and large-scale production. His engineering acumen, coupled with a flair for creative problem-solving, earned him a leadership position in Tyson’s Innovation Lab, where he directed efforts in brand development, market research, and product launches. Under his stewardship, the Yappah brand was born—a sustainable snack food line recognized by Time Magazine as one of the 10 Smartest Sustainable Products of the Year.
Seeking to blend his technical background with business strategy, Nick pursued an MBA at DePaul Driehaus College of Business, graduating with distinction. This transition catalyzed his evolution from engineer to executive strategist. After earning his MBA, he joined Kraft Heinz, where he assumed roles in disruptive innovation and brand management. At Kraft Heinz, Nick led cross-functional teams developing plant-based product strategies, navigating whitespace opportunities, and crafting go-to-market executions that shaped portfolio expansions and captured new consumer segments. His efforts not only advanced the company’s innovation pipeline but also reinforced his ability to move seamlessly between concept and commercialization.
Nick’s next pivotal chapter unfolded at Hormel Foods, where he served as Senior Innovation Manager. Tasked with steering innovation for iconic brands such as Planters®, Hormel Pepperoni, and Hormel Gatherings, Nick played a central role in revitalizing legacy products for new generations. His work entailed deep consumer research, rapid prototyping, and agile development, enabling the brands to evolve authentically while unlocking incremental growth. By architecting multi-year innovation pipelines, he helped the company diversify offerings and penetrate untapped market segments—demonstrating his mastery of long-range strategic planning and nimble execution.
Currently, Nick is Director of Innovation at Chomps, a high-growth brand in the better-for-you snacking space. While navigating conflicts of interest that preclude involvement in other meat-snacking ventures, Nick brings a fierce commitment to propelling Chomps into new territory. He oversees the brand’s entire innovation lifecycle—from ideation to commercialization—ensuring each new product not only delights consumers but also adheres to rigorous operational and nutritional standards. At Chomps, Nick’s leadership reflects the perfect confluence of consumer empathy, brand stewardship, and technical precision.
Nick’s expertise spans a broad range of competencies including brand strategy, commercialization, cost analysis, marketing, and cross-functional leadership. He excels in transforming ambiguous insights into tangible strategies, particularly within the prepared foods and broader CPG sectors. His approach is driven by a dedication to human-centered design, combining empathy with analytics to produce solutions that are both scalable and emotionally resonant. With a Certified Culinary Scientist credential and a robust background in food science, he understands the delicate balance between taste, feasibility, and market viability.
Beyond the boardroom, Nick’s personal passions mirror his professional strengths. As a weekend performer and improv comedy instructor, he embodies creativity, adaptability, and authenticity—traits that influence his leadership style. These experiences have shaped his ability to create psychologically safe team environments that foster open dialogue, collaboration, and storytelling. His improv background uniquely positions him to guide ideation sessions, navigate ambiguity, and cultivate cultures of innovation.
Nick’s thought leadership extends to public speaking, with engagements at industry conferences including a standout presentation on brand revitalization at the New Product Conference. His insights have become sought after by peers aiming to future-proof their brand portfolios through thoughtful, data-driven innovation. Though he has yet to pursue international assignments, Nick is eager to expand his impact on a global scale and welcomes opportunities that would allow him to bring his expertise to international markets.
Today, Nick is actively exploring advisory and board opportunities. He is driven by a desire to contribute his experience to companies looking to modernize, diversify, or reposition their brands for sustainable growth. Whether through innovation summits, event planning committees, or strategic advisory roles, Nick brings a deep well of experience, a collaborative mindset, and a results-oriented philosophy. He believes every brand has untapped potential—and with the right strategy, team, and leadership—it can be unlocked.
Character:
Nick exemplifies authenticity, humility, and passion in every endeavor, building trust and camaraderie with colleagues and collaborators alike. His integrity and people-first leadership foster inclusive, energized environments where bold ideas can flourish.
Knowledge:
With a deep understanding of both technical engineering and business strategy, Nick brings a rare duality to problem-solving. His education and certifications, combined with hands-on experience across top-tier CPG firms, provide him with a rich, nuanced perspective.
Strategic:
Nick is a forward-thinking leader who excels at building innovation pipelines and long-term growth strategies aligned with evolving consumer needs. His approach blends creative vision with analytical rigor to deliver scalable, profitable solutions.
Communication:
Whether presenting at conferences or facilitating team ideation, Nick is a compelling communicator who brings clarity, storytelling, and empathy to every interaction. His background in comedy enhances his ability to connect, engage, and inspire.
