Wixon, a manufacturer of seasonings, flavors and technologies for the food and beverage industry, has named Zak Otto as Technical R&D Manager for the company’s Protein Division.

In his new role, Otto will oversee operations of Wixon’s Protein Pilot Plant and enhance the efficiency of protein seasonings into applications.

Otto has more than 14 years experience in product development for the food industry, including spices and consumer packaged goods. He formerly served as a Food Scientist for Wixon and most recently as R&D Manager for Palermo’s Pizza in Milwaukee.

Otto earned a master of business administration degree from Marquette University in Milwaukee and a bachelor of science degree in food science from the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

He is a former Chair of the Wisconsin Section of the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) and vice president of the board of directors for the German Immersion Foundation in Milwaukee.