Speakers
Past attendees have always commented on the incredible speakers we have brought in for our education sessions, and this year is no different! As we continue to finalize this year's lineup, we are pleased to provide a sneak peek at some of this year’s confirmed speakers:
Mark Blumenthal
Mark Blumenthal is the founder and executive director of the American Botanical Council (ABC), an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to disseminating accurate, reliable and responsible information on medicinal plants. Blumenthal is the editor of HerbalGram, an international, peer-reviewed quarterly journal, and HerbClip, ABC's reviews of recent scientific literature on herbs. He is the senior editor of three reference books: The Complete German Commission E Monographs – Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines, Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs and The ABC Clinical Guide to Herbs, and co-author of Rational Phytotherapy, 5th ed.
Mark Blumenthal is the founder and executive director of the American Botanical Council (ABC), an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to disseminating accurate, reliable and responsible information on medicinal plants. Blumenthal is the editor of HerbalGram, an international, peer-reviewed quarterly journal, and HerbClip, ABC's reviews of recent scientific literature on herbs. He is the senior editor of three reference books: The Complete German Commission E Monographs – Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines, Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs and The ABC Clinical Guide to Herbs, and co-author of Rational Phytotherapy, 5th ed.
Lori Colman
Lori Colman is a founding partner and CEO of Colman Brohan Davis. Colman has been instrumental in developing brand strategies and marketing initiatives for companies in the food, dietary supplement and ingredients sectors. She is a frequent speaker at industry events, has written articles on brand positioning, product launches, channel management and planning, and has a particular passion for adding value to commodity-style products and markets. Colman is a firm believer in understanding consumer behavior and putting customers at the core of all marketing and communications decisions.
Lori Colman is a founding partner and CEO of Colman Brohan Davis. Colman has been instrumental in developing brand strategies and marketing initiatives for companies in the food, dietary supplement and ingredients sectors. She is a frequent speaker at industry events, has written articles on brand positioning, product launches, channel management and planning, and has a particular passion for adding value to commodity-style products and markets. Colman is a firm believer in understanding consumer behavior and putting customers at the core of all marketing and communications decisions.
Lynn Dornblaser
Lynn Dornblaser is the director, CPG Trend Insight, for Mintel International Group. New product trends have been the focus of Dornblaser’s career for more than 20 years, giving her a unique perspective on the marketplace and new product development. A trained journalist and experienced public speaker, Dornblaser has been quoted by major U.S. news organizations, including The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, The New York Times and CNN.
Lynn Dornblaser is the director, CPG Trend Insight, for Mintel International Group. New product trends have been the focus of Dornblaser’s career for more than 20 years, giving her a unique perspective on the marketplace and new product development. A trained journalist and experienced public speaker, Dornblaser has been quoted by major U.S. news organizations, including The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, The New York Times and CNN.
Malkanthi Evans, Ph.D.
Malkanthi Evans, Ph.D., is the scientific director at KGK Synergize and has been involved in conducting nutraceutical and food clinical trials. These have been in the areas of weight loss, women’s health, bioavailability, cardiovascular health, antioxidant, hypertension and immune function.
Malkanthi Evans, Ph.D., is the scientific director at KGK Synergize and has been involved in conducting nutraceutical and food clinical trials. These have been in the areas of weight loss, women’s health, bioavailability, cardiovascular health, antioxidant, hypertension and immune function.
Steven French
Steven French, managing partner at the Natural Marketing Institute (NMI), has more than 25 years of strategic marketing, business development and management experience. Complementing bachelor's and master's degrees in marketing, French has accumulated extensive insight and knowledge into health, wellness, environmentalism, sustainability and social responsibility across a multitude of products, services and industries. He is a frequent speaker at industry events and conferences, a regular contributor to media sources, and the author of numerous published articles and research reports.
Steven French, managing partner at the Natural Marketing Institute (NMI), has more than 25 years of strategic marketing, business development and management experience. Complementing bachelor's and master's degrees in marketing, French has accumulated extensive insight and knowledge into health, wellness, environmentalism, sustainability and social responsibility across a multitude of products, services and industries. He is a frequent speaker at industry events and conferences, a regular contributor to media sources, and the author of numerous published articles and research reports.
Jeff Hilton
Jeff Hilton is partner and co-founder of Integrated Marketing Group (IMG), a marketing and branding agency servicing a national and international clientele.Hilton has been recognized by Advertising Age as one of America’s Top 100 Marketers and has more than 28 years of broad-based business experience, including 18 years spent within the supplements and natural health products industries leading companies such as Nature’s Way and Nutraceutical Corp. Hilton has also guided the national brand-building efforts of numerous recognized consumer products including Continental Airlines, Mrs. Field’s Cookies and Major League Baseball. Through his leadership, IMG became the first agency in the United States to certify in the National Training Institute’s FTC Advertising Compliance Course. The course is designed to help professionals in the natural products industry achieve greater success in the dietary supplement category by understanding the laws and guideline that apply to advertising dietary supplements.
Jeff Hilton is partner and co-founder of Integrated Marketing Group (IMG), a marketing and branding agency servicing a national and international clientele.Hilton has been recognized by Advertising Age as one of America’s Top 100 Marketers and has more than 28 years of broad-based business experience, including 18 years spent within the supplements and natural health products industries leading companies such as Nature’s Way and Nutraceutical Corp. Hilton has also guided the national brand-building efforts of numerous recognized consumer products including Continental Airlines, Mrs. Field’s Cookies and Major League Baseball. Through his leadership, IMG became the first agency in the United States to certify in the National Training Institute’s FTC Advertising Compliance Course. The course is designed to help professionals in the natural products industry achieve greater success in the dietary supplement category by understanding the laws and guideline that apply to advertising dietary supplements.
Ewa Hudson
Ewa Hudson is head of global health and wellness research at Euromonitor Intl., where she manages the research program for the global health and wellness industry. In her current post, Hudson has direct responsibility over the content and quality of Euromonitor’s health and wellness research, which provides strategic analysis and other in-depth coverage of the global market in more than 32 countries worldwide. Hudson is also responsible for working with the international client base of Euromonitor’s online health and wellness foods and beverages passport. She earned a master’s degree in economics from the University of Poznan, Poland, and has also studied postgraduate marketing at the University of Westminster in London.
Ewa Hudson is head of global health and wellness research at Euromonitor Intl., where she manages the research program for the global health and wellness industry. In her current post, Hudson has direct responsibility over the content and quality of Euromonitor’s health and wellness research, which provides strategic analysis and other in-depth coverage of the global market in more than 32 countries worldwide. Hudson is also responsible for working with the international client base of Euromonitor’s online health and wellness foods and beverages passport. She earned a master’s degree in economics from the University of Poznan, Poland, and has also studied postgraduate marketing at the University of Westminster in London.
Adam Ismail
Adam Ismail is executive director of the Global Organization for EPA and DHA Omega-3s (GOED), a proactive and accountable trade association of the world's processors, refiners, manufacturers, distributors, marketers, retailers and supporters of long-chain polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids. Prior to GOED, Ismail worked for Cargill Health & Food Technologies, where he was in charge of its omega-3 food ingredient business and worked on new product development and acquisition and licensing transactions for nutrition products. He has a passion for helping improve living situations for the poor in developing countries and serves as treasurer of To Give Hope, a charity that helps provide children in Ecuador with educational, psychological and health support through after-school programs.
Adam Ismail is executive director of the Global Organization for EPA and DHA Omega-3s (GOED), a proactive and accountable trade association of the world's processors, refiners, manufacturers, distributors, marketers, retailers and supporters of long-chain polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids. Prior to GOED, Ismail worked for Cargill Health & Food Technologies, where he was in charge of its omega-3 food ingredient business and worked on new product development and acquisition and licensing transactions for nutrition products. He has a passion for helping improve living situations for the poor in developing countries and serves as treasurer of To Give Hope, a charity that helps provide children in Ecuador with educational, psychological and health support through after-school programs.
Mark A. LeDoux, J.D.
Mark A. LeDoux, J.D., is founder, CEO and chairman of Natural Alternatives International Inc. (NAI), a firm engaged in the research, design and development of nutritional supplement programs and products for large, multinational clients. With 35 years of experience since joining the nutritional supplements industry, LeDoux is considered a highly regarded leader and spokesperson for the dietary supplements industry. LeDoux is chairman of the board of directors of the Council for Responsible Nutrition, where he represents NAI's ongoing commitment to industry and government affairs, adherence to a strong code of ethics, and continuing support in the legislative, regulatory and public affairs arenas. A graduate of the Thomas Jefferson School of Law, LeDoux received his bachelor's degree from the University of Oklahoma. LeDoux is also a graduate of Stanford University's Program for Small Business Executives.
Mark A. LeDoux, J.D., is founder, CEO and chairman of Natural Alternatives International Inc. (NAI), a firm engaged in the research, design and development of nutritional supplement programs and products for large, multinational clients. With 35 years of experience since joining the nutritional supplements industry, LeDoux is considered a highly regarded leader and spokesperson for the dietary supplements industry. LeDoux is chairman of the board of directors of the Council for Responsible Nutrition, where he represents NAI's ongoing commitment to industry and government affairs, adherence to a strong code of ethics, and continuing support in the legislative, regulatory and public affairs arenas. A graduate of the Thomas Jefferson School of Law, LeDoux received his bachelor's degree from the University of Oklahoma. LeDoux is also a graduate of Stanford University's Program for Small Business Executives.
Douglas MacKay, N.D.
Douglas MacKay, N.D., is vice president, scientific and regulatory affairs for the Council for Responsible Nutrition. Dr. MacKay is a licensed naturopathic doctor, and was a co-owner and practitioner in a family-owned New Hampshire complementary and alternative medicine private practice for seven years. In addition to his hands-on experience as a practitioner in the field of integrative medicine, Dr. MacKay spent eight years working as a medical consultant for two companies in the dietary supplement industry, including four years as an executive with Nordic Naturals, in charge of clinical research. He previously served as technical advisor for Thorne Research. Dr. MacKay has published articles in peer-reviewed journals, and serves on the editorial board of two peer-reviewed publications: the clinical journal Alternative Medicine Review and the official publication of the journal of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians, Natural Medicine Journal. Dr. Mackay serves as the CRN liaison to the NAD for the CRN/NAD advertising review program started in 2006.
Douglas MacKay, N.D., is vice president, scientific and regulatory affairs for the Council for Responsible Nutrition. Dr. MacKay is a licensed naturopathic doctor, and was a co-owner and practitioner in a family-owned New Hampshire complementary and alternative medicine private practice for seven years. In addition to his hands-on experience as a practitioner in the field of integrative medicine, Dr. MacKay spent eight years working as a medical consultant for two companies in the dietary supplement industry, including four years as an executive with Nordic Naturals, in charge of clinical research. He previously served as technical advisor for Thorne Research. Dr. MacKay has published articles in peer-reviewed journals, and serves on the editorial board of two peer-reviewed publications: the clinical journal Alternative Medicine Review and the official publication of the journal of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians, Natural Medicine Journal. Dr. Mackay serves as the CRN liaison to the NAD for the CRN/NAD advertising review program started in 2006.
George Pontiakos
As president and CEO of BI Nutraceuticals, Pontiakos oversees all aspects of operations for BI Nutraceuticals’ and the Zuellig Group Nutrition and Ingredients division in China. Pontiakos has held senior leadership positions at several leading consulting, medical services and technology companies. He has wide-ranging experience in scaling geographically dispersed global companies to maximize their ability to successfully compete in the marketplace. Pontiakos holds a bachelor’s degree in business management from Farleigh Dickinson University.
As president and CEO of BI Nutraceuticals, Pontiakos oversees all aspects of operations for BI Nutraceuticals’ and the Zuellig Group Nutrition and Ingredients division in China. Pontiakos has held senior leadership positions at several leading consulting, medical services and technology companies. He has wide-ranging experience in scaling geographically dispersed global companies to maximize their ability to successfully compete in the marketplace. Pontiakos holds a bachelor’s degree in business management from Farleigh Dickinson University.
Gregory Prang, Ph.D.
Gregory Prang, Ph.D., is a senior ethnographic analyst at The Hartman Group. He received his bachelor’s of business administration in marketing from Western Michigan University, and both his master’s of arts and doctorate in sociocultural anthropology from Wayne State University. Dr. Prang has spent more than 12 years researching the global aquarium fish trade, with eight of those years spent in the Brazilian Amazon as a visiting professor at the University of Amazonas and a trade analyst for the Zoological Society of London. He brings to The Hartman Group a rich experience concerning the consumption of leisure, commodity chain analysis, and the interface of consumer choices and sustainable development. His work is also informed by his lengthy experience as a university professor, teaching courses in business anthropology and the culture of consumption.
Gregory Prang, Ph.D., is a senior ethnographic analyst at The Hartman Group. He received his bachelor’s of business administration in marketing from Western Michigan University, and both his master’s of arts and doctorate in sociocultural anthropology from Wayne State University. Dr. Prang has spent more than 12 years researching the global aquarium fish trade, with eight of those years spent in the Brazilian Amazon as a visiting professor at the University of Amazonas and a trade analyst for the Zoological Society of London. He brings to The Hartman Group a rich experience concerning the consumption of leisure, commodity chain analysis, and the interface of consumer choices and sustainable development. His work is also informed by his lengthy experience as a university professor, teaching courses in business anthropology and the culture of consumption.
Justin J. Prochnow, Esq.
Justin J. Prochnow, Esq., is a former prosecutor and a shareholder practicing law in the international law firm of Greenberg Traurig LLP, where his practice focuses on providing regulatory and business advice to companies in the food and beverage, supplement, medical device, drug and cosmetic industries. Prochnow works with dietary supplement, sports nutrition, beverage, conventional foods, cosmetic, medical device and OTC drug companies to ensure regulatory compliance with statutes and regulations enforced by FDA, FTC and other regulatory agencies. He has counseled numerous industry companies on how to comply with the applicable laws and regulations regarding advertising, marketing and labeling materials. Prochnow also defends companies from both governmental agencies and private litigants in actions ranging from breach of contract and false advertising to RICO and Lanham Act violations.
Justin J. Prochnow, Esq., is a former prosecutor and a shareholder practicing law in the international law firm of Greenberg Traurig LLP, where his practice focuses on providing regulatory and business advice to companies in the food and beverage, supplement, medical device, drug and cosmetic industries. Prochnow works with dietary supplement, sports nutrition, beverage, conventional foods, cosmetic, medical device and OTC drug companies to ensure regulatory compliance with statutes and regulations enforced by FDA, FTC and other regulatory agencies. He has counseled numerous industry companies on how to comply with the applicable laws and regulations regarding advertising, marketing and labeling materials. Prochnow also defends companies from both governmental agencies and private litigants in actions ranging from breach of contract and false advertising to RICO and Lanham Act violations.
Kantha Shelke, Ph.D.
Kantha Shelke, Ph.D., is a principal at Corvus Blue LLC, a Chicago-based food science and research firm specializing in the competitive intelligence, expert witness services and new product/technology commercialization of ingredients for foods, beverages, dietary supplements and cosmetics. The firm is retained by Fortune 100 food companies, investors, professional and trade organizations for its expertise in the development, regulatory clearance, commercialization and market realization of ingredients, nutraceuticals, functional foods, dietary supplements and cosmetics largely in the health and wellness arena. Dr. Shelke works and teaches at the intersection of food science and application for health and wellness, focusing on the science of ingredient processing, physiology, regulatory clearance, processing trends, commercialization and dynamics shaping acceptance and adherence by consumers and markets. She has a doctorate in cereal chemistry and technology and master's of science degrees in food science and clinical nutrition, and organic chemistry of natural products. She is a member/spokesperson/editor for several professional organizations, including the Institute of Food Technologists, American Chemical Society and Society of Cosmetic Chemists.
Kantha Shelke, Ph.D., is a principal at Corvus Blue LLC, a Chicago-based food science and research firm specializing in the competitive intelligence, expert witness services and new product/technology commercialization of ingredients for foods, beverages, dietary supplements and cosmetics. The firm is retained by Fortune 100 food companies, investors, professional and trade organizations for its expertise in the development, regulatory clearance, commercialization and market realization of ingredients, nutraceuticals, functional foods, dietary supplements and cosmetics largely in the health and wellness arena. Dr. Shelke works and teaches at the intersection of food science and application for health and wellness, focusing on the science of ingredient processing, physiology, regulatory clearance, processing trends, commercialization and dynamics shaping acceptance and adherence by consumers and markets. She has a doctorate in cereal chemistry and technology and master's of science degrees in food science and clinical nutrition, and organic chemistry of natural products. She is a member/spokesperson/editor for several professional organizations, including the Institute of Food Technologists, American Chemical Society and Society of Cosmetic Chemists.
John Siefert
John Siefert is CEO of VIRGO. He is the former senior vice president and publisher of InformationWeek Business Technology Network at United Business Media TechWeb. During Siefert’s 15 year tenure at UBM, he was instrumental in guiding the business through a major transformation to digital media. He led InformationWeek and nine other leading editorial brands and was responsible for the strategic direction, growth strategy and evolution of a multifaceted online, print, event and services network covering the corporate technology market. Siefert also served in various other roles during his tenure at UBM, formerly known as CMP Media, including group publisher of Network Computing and national director, sales and market development of Network Computing Enterprise Architecture Group.
John Siefert is CEO of VIRGO. He is the former senior vice president and publisher of InformationWeek Business Technology Network at United Business Media TechWeb. During Siefert’s 15 year tenure at UBM, he was instrumental in guiding the business through a major transformation to digital media. He led InformationWeek and nine other leading editorial brands and was responsible for the strategic direction, growth strategy and evolution of a multifaceted online, print, event and services network covering the corporate technology market. Siefert also served in various other roles during his tenure at UBM, formerly known as CMP Media, including group publisher of Network Computing and national director, sales and market development of Network Computing Enterprise Architecture Group.
A. Elizabeth Sloan, Ph.D.
A. Elizabeth Sloan, Ph.D., is the president of Sloan Trends & Solutions Inc. Dr. Sloan was formerly editor-in-chief of McCall’s magazine; director of the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she managed the review of consumer products for the Good Housekeeping Seal and served as assistant editor-in-chief of Good Housekeeping magazine; senior vice president and international director of food and nutrition for Hill and Knowlton Public Relations; the first scientific director of the American Association of Cereal Chemists; and director of nutrition communications and technical services for General Mills. Dr. Sloan’s editorial positions include editor-in-chief of Cereal Foods World and Cereal Chemistry, and marketing columnist for Food Business, Food Engineering, Prepared Foods, Food Product Development and Flavor & The Menu.
A. Elizabeth Sloan, Ph.D., is the president of Sloan Trends & Solutions Inc. Dr. Sloan was formerly editor-in-chief of McCall’s magazine; director of the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she managed the review of consumer products for the Good Housekeeping Seal and served as assistant editor-in-chief of Good Housekeeping magazine; senior vice president and international director of food and nutrition for Hill and Knowlton Public Relations; the first scientific director of the American Association of Cereal Chemists; and director of nutrition communications and technical services for General Mills. Dr. Sloan’s editorial positions include editor-in-chief of Cereal Foods World and Cereal Chemistry, and marketing columnist for Food Business, Food Engineering, Prepared Foods, Food Product Development and Flavor & The Menu.
Gregory J. Stephens, R.D.
Gregory J. Stephens, R.D., is president of Windrose Partners, a company serving clients in the dietary supplement, functional food and natural product industries. Formerly vice president of strategic consulting with the Natural Marketing Institute and vice president of sales and marketing for Nurture Inc. (OatVantage), Stephens has over 25 years of specialized expertise in the nutrition and pharmaceutical industries. His prior experience includes a progressive series of senior management positions with Abbott Nutrition (Ross Products Division of Abbott Laboratories), including development of global nutrition strategies for disease-specific growth platforms and business development for Abbott’s medical foods portfolio. In a consulting capacity Stephens has managed projects in the areas of nutraceuticals/dietary supplements, functional foods/beverages, medical foods, pharmaceuticals and sustainable energy. His client portfolio includes such companies as Dr. Pepper/Snapple, PepsiCo, P&G, Scripps Institute, USDA, Enzymatic Therapy, Solae, DuPont, Kemin Health, Reliant Energy and the Battelle Institute.
Gregory J. Stephens, R.D., is president of Windrose Partners, a company serving clients in the dietary supplement, functional food and natural product industries. Formerly vice president of strategic consulting with the Natural Marketing Institute and vice president of sales and marketing for Nurture Inc. (OatVantage), Stephens has over 25 years of specialized expertise in the nutrition and pharmaceutical industries. His prior experience includes a progressive series of senior management positions with Abbott Nutrition (Ross Products Division of Abbott Laboratories), including development of global nutrition strategies for disease-specific growth platforms and business development for Abbott’s medical foods portfolio. In a consulting capacity Stephens has managed projects in the areas of nutraceuticals/dietary supplements, functional foods/beverages, medical foods, pharmaceuticals and sustainable energy. His client portfolio includes such companies as Dr. Pepper/Snapple, PepsiCo, P&G, Scripps Institute, USDA, Enzymatic Therapy, Solae, DuPont, Kemin Health, Reliant Energy and the Battelle Institute.
Jay Udani, M.D., C.P.I.
Jay Udani, M.D., C.P.I., is CEO and medical director of Medicus Research, medical director of Northridge Hospital's integrative medicine program, and assistant clinical professor, department of medicine, at UCLA's Geffen School of Medicine, where he is on faculty at the UCLA Collaborative Centers for Integrative Medicine. Dr. Udani is a board-certified internist who was the chief resident of internal medicine at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, was the first Fellow in integrative medicine at Cedars Sinai, and was among the first physicians in the country to become a Certified Physician Investigator (C.P.I.) for clinical trials through the American Academy of Pharmaceutical Physicians.
Jay Udani, M.D., C.P.I., is CEO and medical director of Medicus Research, medical director of Northridge Hospital's integrative medicine program, and assistant clinical professor, department of medicine, at UCLA's Geffen School of Medicine, where he is on faculty at the UCLA Collaborative Centers for Integrative Medicine. Dr. Udani is a board-certified internist who was the chief resident of internal medicine at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, was the first Fellow in integrative medicine at Cedars Sinai, and was among the first physicians in the country to become a Certified Physician Investigator (C.P.I.) for clinical trials through the American Academy of Pharmaceutical Physicians.
Marc S. Ullman, Esq.
Marc S. Ullman, Esq., partner at Ullman, Shapiro & Ullman LLP, represents clients in matters relating to FDA and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) matters, regulatory issues, FTC proceedings and litigation. His practice includes representation relating to FDA compliance including labels, labeling, claims, good manufacturing practices, as well as a number of complex proceedings with the FDA relating to the agency's powers under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994. Since 2007, Ullman has assisted clients at the center of the "Pet Food Recall" connected with the adulteration of wheat gluten with melamine, the recall of StarCaps Dietary Supplements following the suspension of several NFL players whose drug screening tests indicated the presence of undeclared prescription drugs in the product, and one of the companies conducting a major recall of pistachios due to potential contamination with salmonella.
Marc S. Ullman, Esq., partner at Ullman, Shapiro & Ullman LLP, represents clients in matters relating to FDA and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) matters, regulatory issues, FTC proceedings and litigation. His practice includes representation relating to FDA compliance including labels, labeling, claims, good manufacturing practices, as well as a number of complex proceedings with the FDA relating to the agency's powers under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994. Since 2007, Ullman has assisted clients at the center of the "Pet Food Recall" connected with the adulteration of wheat gluten with melamine, the recall of StarCaps Dietary Supplements following the suspension of several NFL players whose drug screening tests indicated the presence of undeclared prescription drugs in the product, and one of the companies conducting a major recall of pistachios due to potential contamination with salmonella.
Tom Vierhile
Tom Vierhile is the director of Datamonitor’s Product Launch Analytics, the 2009 successor to the Productscan Online database of new products, now fully integrated with Datamonitor’s Consumer Products Knowledge Center. Vierhile has more than 20 years of experience in consumer packaged goods reporting and analysis. He is an internationally recognized expert on new product marketing and has authored many articles on new products for a variety of trade publications. Additionally, publications like USA Today and The Wall Street Journal frequently call upon Vierhile for his views on new product launches and packaged goods trends. He has a bachelor’s degree in marketing from St. Bonaventure University and a master’s of business administration from the State University of New York at Buffalo.
Tom Vierhile is the director of Datamonitor’s Product Launch Analytics, the 2009 successor to the Productscan Online database of new products, now fully integrated with Datamonitor’s Consumer Products Knowledge Center. Vierhile has more than 20 years of experience in consumer packaged goods reporting and analysis. He is an internationally recognized expert on new product marketing and has authored many articles on new products for a variety of trade publications. Additionally, publications like USA Today and The Wall Street Journal frequently call upon Vierhile for his views on new product launches and packaged goods trends. He has a bachelor’s degree in marketing from St. Bonaventure University and a master’s of business administration from the State University of New York at Buffalo.
Steve Walton
Steve Walton, general manager, HealthFocus Intl., works directly with international food manufacturers, ingredient suppliers, pharmaceutical companies, food service and retailers to help them understand the changing perceptions, motivations and belief systems that drive consumer behaviors creating new markets. Prior to joining HFI, Walton spent his career in brand management at Unilever and ConAgra, most recently serving as vice president marketing and general manager for ConAgra's Wesson Peter Pan Foods Operating Co.
Steve Walton, general manager, HealthFocus Intl., works directly with international food manufacturers, ingredient suppliers, pharmaceutical companies, food service and retailers to help them understand the changing perceptions, motivations and belief systems that drive consumer behaviors creating new markets. Prior to joining HFI, Walton spent his career in brand management at Unilever and ConAgra, most recently serving as vice president marketing and general manager for ConAgra's Wesson Peter Pan Foods Operating Co.
Peter F. Zambetti
Peter F. Zambetti is global business development director for health and nutrition at Capsugel. Before joining Capsugel, Zambetti was the director of sales for microencapsulated food and dietary supplement ingredients for Balchem Encapsulates. Prior to his role there, Zambetti served in several capacities at Roche Vitamins Inc. During his 13 years at Roche, Zambetti worked in international business development for the Industrial and Agricultural Products Group, which utilized vitamins in unusual applications. Most notable was the successful creation of a market for the stabilization of plastic utilizing dl-alpha-tocopherol. At Capsugel, Zambetti's responsibilities primarily are to grow the health and nutrition business globally by acting as an industry advocate in Washington and internationally, as well as facilitating global outreach efforts. He is active in writing articles on global business development for food supplements and the analysis of the global marketplace. Zambetti is currently chairman of the International Alliance of Dietary and Food Supplement Associations (IADSA), and treasurer and a member of the executive committee and board of directors of the Natural Products Association (NPA).
Peter F. Zambetti is global business development director for health and nutrition at Capsugel. Before joining Capsugel, Zambetti was the director of sales for microencapsulated food and dietary supplement ingredients for Balchem Encapsulates. Prior to his role there, Zambetti served in several capacities at Roche Vitamins Inc. During his 13 years at Roche, Zambetti worked in international business development for the Industrial and Agricultural Products Group, which utilized vitamins in unusual applications. Most notable was the successful creation of a market for the stabilization of plastic utilizing dl-alpha-tocopherol. At Capsugel, Zambetti's responsibilities primarily are to grow the health and nutrition business globally by acting as an industry advocate in Washington and internationally, as well as facilitating global outreach efforts. He is active in writing articles on global business development for food supplements and the analysis of the global marketplace. Zambetti is currently chairman of the International Alliance of Dietary and Food Supplement Associations (IADSA), and treasurer and a member of the executive committee and board of directors of the Natural Products Association (NPA).