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.

The Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry stands at the crossroads of constant evolution and fierce competition, demanding agility and innovation from companies striving for success. From shifting consumer preferences and supply chain disruptions to the rising call for sustainability, staying ahead requires a delicate balance of strategic alignment, execution excellence, and a relentless focus on consumer engagement. Leveraging insights from industry leaders and fostering a culture of creativity and collaboration, companies can transform challenges into opportunities. By embracing data-driven decision-making, optimizing pricing and channel strategies, and integrating sustainability and AI into their core, CPG organizations can position themselves for long-term growth and resilience in an ever-changing market.

I'm excited to share my updated executive biography! Over the past 25 years, I’ve had the privilege of working in industries like FinTech, cybersecurity, and banking technology, where I’ve been able to drive growth, product innovation, and change management while leading talented teams across the globe. My journey has included integrating key acquisitions at Utimaco, developing strategic product roadmaps at Diebold Nixdorf, and expanding market footprints at Wincor Nixdorf. Throughout it all, I've remained focused on delivering results and continuously striving for excellence. I look forward to connecting with others who share a passion for shaping the future of technology and finance!

Excited to share my professional journey with you! Over the years, I've had the privilege of working on transformative projects and leading innovative companies, from AI platforms to pioneering virtual worlds. My focus has always been on creating value, driving growth, and supporting organizations through turnarounds and new product development. Here is my biography.

I’m excited to share my executive biography, reflecting my journey in technology and product innovation across industry-leading companies and dynamic startups. My focus has always been on creating impactful products and guiding teams to develop market-defining solutions. Here is my biography.

Rod Richardson is a dynamic operations and technology leader with over 20 years of experience in scaling startups and driving business growth across various industries. Specializing in Cyber Security, Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A), and International Business Strategy, Rod has successfully led organizations through transformative digital changes, product innovations, and strategic expansions. He has helped businesses achieve significant revenue growth, including increasing profits for three startups to over $150 million in under three years, and has consulted for private equity firms on high-stakes M&A projects, boosting organizational efficiency and profitability. With global experience working in countries such as Germany, China, Israel, and India, Rod excels at navigating complex international markets and building high-performing teams. Passionate about fostering diversity and collaboration, he is now seeking opportunities to contribute his expertise to a board, helping companies scale and thrive in an increasingly competitive global landscape.

I'm excited to share a look into my professional journey, where I’ve led transformative projects in program management, digital integration, and product strategy across industries. Throughout my career, I've strived to align strategic goals with innovative technology solutions to create impactful, sustainable results. Here is my biography.

Steve Guillaume is a seasoned business leader with over 30 years of experience in P&L management, business development, and operational leadership across multiple industries. As a proven expert in driving top-line growth and enhancing profitability, Steve has led successful initiatives in business acquisitions, product innovation, and market expansion. His hands-on leadership style, strategic vision, and deep industry knowledge have consistently resulted in significant improvements in EBITDA, operational efficiencies, and customer satisfaction. Known for his integrity and strong communication skills, Steve excels in leading cross-functional teams and negotiating high-value contracts that drive long-term success.

In my experience, businesses succeed by making a clear strategic choice: positioning themselves as either the best low-price option or the best higher-priced, high-quality alternative in their market. Companies that fall between these positions often lose relevance and market share. One mistake leaders make is chasing short-term trends at the expense of their core brand identity. When I took over ConAgra’s Banquet brand, previous attempts to elevate the brand’s quality and pricing had failed because they ignored the needs of its core consumers—families with limited income who relied on Banquet for affordable meals. Instead of transforming Banquet into something it wasn’t, I embraced its identity as a provider of “Good Food at a Great Value.” We refocused on delivering dependable, low-cost meals, which resonated with both consumers and retailers. Initiatives like multiple-unit promotions and the successful launch of Banquet Crock Pot Classics, which addressed specific consumer needs, drove significant growth. By leaning into Banquet’s core strengths and staying laser-focused on cost containment, we revitalized the brand, outperformed competitors, and turned Banquet into one of ConAgra’s most successful divisions. The key lesson is simple: understand what your brand stands for, embrace it, and don’t lose sight of your core value proposition in pursuit of fleeting market trends.

I’m excited to share my updated biography, highlighting my journey and accomplishments in driving transformative growth and innovation. My career has been defined by a commitment to strong character, deep industry knowledge, and strategic acumen, which have consistently propelled organizations toward new heights. My approach to overcoming complex challenges with clear, effective communication has been a cornerstone of my leadership. I invite you to read more about my experiences and vision for the future.

AI and machine learning are transforming startups by enabling data-driven decisions, automating tasks, enhancing user engagement, and providing market insights. Examples like Tandem, Lemonade, Modsy, Farmstead, and Kyte illustrate AI's impact on analytics, automation, personalization, demand forecasting, and product innovation. Embracing AI/ML is essential for long-term success.