William M. Hale is a seasoned executive with over 22 years of experience driving corporate strategy, global operations, and transformational growth. Currently serving as Chief of Global Operations for Cargill, Inc.’s Corporate Strategy & Development division, William leads a global team across four continents, delivering innovative solutions and measurable results. Known for his values-based leadership, he has successfully increased employee engagement, spearheaded multimillion-dollar strategies, and navigated complex acquisitions. Beyond his professional achievements, William is a dedicated community leader and mentor, passionately supporting organizations that develop future leaders and foster sustainable impact.

Leslie Vesper is a seasoned marketing executive with over 20 years of experience driving innovation and strategic brand growth across the food and beverage industry. As Vice President of Marketing at PepsiCo Foods North America, she leads high-impact teams and marketing initiatives that strengthen iconic brands and fuel business growth. With a proven track record in brand management, portfolio innovation, and consumer insights, Leslie has played a pivotal role in transforming major brands like Doritos and Frito-Lay through consumer-centric strategies and product innovations. Her leadership spans notable companies such as Dr Pepper Snapple Group and General Mills, where she spearheaded successful product launches and long-term innovation pipelines. Known for her ability to align teams and deliver results, Leslie combines deep industry knowledge with a passion for creating market-leading strategies that resonate with diverse consumer audiences.