St. Francis, Wis./Press Release -- Wixon, a manufacturer of seasonings, flavors and technologies for the food and beverage industry, has announced Leda Strand as vice president of Research & Development.

In her new role, Strand will direct product and food technology creation through Wixon’s staff of food technologists, flavor chemists, meat scientists, and research professionals. She will also oversee sensory analysis and Wixon’s foodservice/culinary team.

Strand has more than twenty years of experience in product development and quality management across the food industry. She formerly served as Wixon’s director of Technology Applications and Industrial Ingredients and most recently as product development manager for Chr. Hansen in Milwaukee.

“Leda’s expertise will drive product development initiatives for our customers, delivering the latest in on-trend food and beverages for industrial, consumer product, protein, and foodservice markets,” says Peter Gottsacker, president of Wixon. “Her breadth of work, including flavor modifier applications, sensory programs, contract manufacturing, and quality assurance, mirrors Wixon’s dedication to excelling as a full-service provider of seasoning and flavor system solutions.”

Strand earned a master of business administration degree from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee and a bachelor of science degree in bacteriology from the University of Wisconsin. She is a member of the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) and resides in Glendale.