Sovos Brands announced that Wendy Behr has joined the company as chief research & development (R&D) officer. Behr brings 30 years of experience in lead research and development roles at organizations including Keurig Dr Pepper, WhiteWave and Diageo. Her experience spans across product and package R&D, corporate sustainability, quality & food safety, and global supply; and across numerous food and beverage categories and temperature states.
As chief R&D officer, Behr will deliver an innovation agenda across seven food categories, ensure Sovos' current products deliver against consumer and customer expectations, and drive the company's acquisitive and organic growth.
The brands currently in the Sovos portfolio include Rao's Homemade, noosa yoghurt, and Michael Angelo's frozen entrees. The company also recently announced an agreement to acquire Birch Benders, which is expected to close by the end of October. Since its inception, Sovos has launched a number of new products, including Rao's soups and frozen entrées, noosa smoothies, and noosa Greek yoghurt. The chief R&D officer role is a new position within Sovos developed to lead R&D efforts as part of the company's continued growth agenda.
Behr is based in Louisville, Colo., and has a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from University of Illinois. She also has a Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems, and a Master of Science in Nutrition Science and Policy, both from Tufts University.
Sovos Brands Names New R&D Leadership
Wendy Behr to take on role as chief R&D officer
