Surlean Foods is pleased to announce newly added depth and experience to their Culinary R&D department through the recent hires of Amanda Zimlich, CEC, as Senior Director R&D, and Tim Hsu, as Senior R&D Chef. Zimlich comes from Hillshire Brands Company where she served as the Director of Culinary, Research & Development / Innovation. Hsu comes to Surlean Foods from Campbell's Culinary & Baking Institute at Campbell Soup Company where he held the role of Research Chef.

Amanda Zimlich has fifteen years of experience in increasingly responsible roles within culinary arts. In her most recent position at Hillshire Brands Company, Zimlich created and implemented flavor delivery of products across the brand’s growing portfolio. Her leveraging and building of strategic partnerships with key ingredient and flavor suppliers resulted in improving the product development process. Zimlich’s impressive culinary background also includes Corporate Executive Chef at Campbell Soup Company for a number of years.

“We’re very pleased we found someone with Amanda’s wealth of experience to join us as our new Senior Director of R&D,” said Daryl Scott, President Surlean Foods. “She will play a dynamic role in driving exponential growth with new-to-market innovations while continuing our passion for food throughout the organization. Amanda’s caliber and industry knowledge make her a substantial addition to Surlean Foods.” Zimlich’s experience is supported by her Bachelor’s of Professional Studies in Hospitality Management from The Culinary Institute of America. Zimlich continues to be actively affiliated with the Research Chefs Association, American Culinary Federation, Woman Chefs and Restaurateurs, Woman’s Food Service Forum, Chaine des Rotisseurs and Societe Mondiale du Vin.

Tim Hsu brings ten years of experience in the culinary field. Most recently at Campbell’s, Hsu was responsible for leading and managing an external network of flavor scientists and chefs to develop flavor solutions to fill culinary gaps in the brand’s flavor toolbox. His culinary support played a critical role across multiple business units.

“Having strong culinary minds is the backbone of a foodservice company,” said Scott. “We are pleased to have Tim Hsu as our Senior R&D Chef. He has the culinary talent and personality that fits our family here at Surlean Foods.”

In addition to his previous culinary positions, Hsu has extensive experience with Chinese cuisine and has been previously named winner of the Culinary Battles Supreme East Asian Chef. He has been certified in ProChef Level II, ServSafe and is a past recipient of the CIA Management Award. Hsu received his education from the Culinary Institute of America in Culinary Arts.

A family-owned and operated business with a rich historical legacy, Surlean Foods attributes its successful growth to a passion for “Feeding People Like Family.”

For more information about Surlean Foods and their customized foodservice capabilities, visit www.surleanfoods.com.