Product InnovationStrategic Advisory
Strategic leader in Research & Development driving innovation and organizational excellence across multinational corporations and educational institutions.
Rana Shehadeh
US 🌐 SOUTHAME 🌐 APAC 🌐 EUROPE 
Bio
Rana F. Shehadeh is a seasoned leader renowned for her strategic expertise and transformative impact in Research & Development (R&D). With a rich background spanning multinational corporations like Barilla Group and PepsiCo, as well as educational institutions such as Miami-Dade College, she has consistently driven innovation and organizational excellence.
At Barilla Group, Rana served as Chief Research, Development & Quality Officer, where she led a diverse team responsible for global innovation efforts. Under her leadership, the organization experienced strong business results fueled by strategic RDQ initiatives that led to enhanced innovation value and substantial cost savings.
Her tenure at PepsiCo and Sartori Foods further highlights her expertise in R&D management, market strategy, and operational optimization. Rana's ability to navigate complex organizational landscapes and foster collaboration has been instrumental in driving successful product launches and market expansion initiatives.
Beyond her corporate roles, Rana's impact extends to the realm of education, where she spearheaded innovative programs and partnerships as Dean at Miami-Dade College. Through initiatives like the Business Innovation & Technology Center, she has empowered students with cutting-edge skills essential for today's competitive landscape.
Rana's academic background in Physical Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Business Administration, coupled with her hands-on industry experience, positions her as a sought-after advisor and consultant. Her commitment to excellence and strategic vision makes her a formidable force in driving sustainable growth and organizational success across diverse sectors.
Experience
Barilla Group
World’s leading pasta producers
Chief Research, Development & Quality Officer
- Led the Global Research, Development & Quality Department, a team of scientists and engineers responsible for New Product Innovation & Renovation, Packaging, Quality & Food Safety, Nutrition, Regulatory, Technology & Open Innovation. Responsibilities spanned a wide geographic area – Italy, France, Sweden, US, Canada, Brazil, Greece, Turkey, Singapore, and Korea, and covered multiple categories within bakery and pasta with global and local brands such as Wasa, Harry’s, Mulino Bianco, and Barilla.
Miami Dade College (MDC)
MDC is the largest college in the United States serving over 90,000 students.
Dean, Global Business, Trade & Transportation
- Responsible for the strategic direction and new programing for the School, which included Business, Aviation, Hospitality & Culinary, with over 10,000 students. Strengthened existing programs and built new programs, partnering with industry and local companies to provide students with in-demand skills and prepare them for the workforce.
PepsiCo
The largest food and beverage company in North America and the second-largest in the world.
LATAM Vice President of R&D
- Led the R&D department for LATAM ($7B in Sales), spanning various categories such as salty snacks, cookies, crackers, Quaker RTE & hot cereals, bars, RTD dairy and powdered beverages. Responsible for a team of 130 people, residing in 10 different countries, covering multiple disciplines: Product and Technology Development, Packaging, Nutrition, Regulatory, QA/FS and Engineering.
Senior Director Quaker & Global Nutrition Group
- Led the breakfast category for Quaker, working closely with commercial and business partners to develop and launch new, incremental, and successful innovations and renovations. Led the Strategy Group in Quaker developing R&D annual operating plans and strategic business plans, tracking resources and budget.
Sartori Foods
Specializing in making and selling world award-winning cheese to the finest retailers, restaurants, and food manufacturers in the US and the world
COO of Sartori Inspirations, Vice President of Research & Development
- Led an acquisition team to evaluate and acquire a high-end Dips and Pestos company. Implemented processes for integrating various functions such as accounts payable/receivables, cash flow cycle management, customer service and purchasing. Oversaw and led all R&D activities creating new technology platforms.
Georgia-Pacific
Leading manufacturers and marketers of bath tissue, paper towels and napkins, tableware, paper-based packaging, cellulose, specialty fibers, and building products
Director of Product & Technology Development
- Investigated new technologies, evaluating potential, developing business proposals and negotiation appropriate contractual agreements in the areas of electronic dispensers and antimicrobial / biocidal additives. Developed and implemented a Stage-Gate process, created a cross-category innovation strategy for the businesses considering category direction, market position, customer or consumer needs and technical capabilities.
Schwan’s Food Co.
One of the fastest-growing leaders and producers in North America’s food industry.
Director of Product Development & Sensory
- Directed an R&D innovation team created to generate innovative new ideas and accelerate promising ideas through the Stage-Gate process. The team presented 30 new well-executed concepts to the various Business Units and to outside customers.
A.T. Kearney
Leading global management consulting firm.
Management Consulting, Business Strategy Development & Strategic Sourcing
- Led multiple client teams in Strategic Sourcing projects for a Fortune 500 company, achieving $2.7MM in annual savings (8% of category spend) in the Chemicals Category, while also developing supplier negotiation strategies and coaching teams to maximize savings through rebates and volume discounts.