Columbus Vegetable Oils, a supplier of high-quality oils, shortenings, sauces and dressings, announced the hire of Jenn Farrell as director of research & development and quality.
Farrell is tasked with leading all research and development efforts and quality assurance initiatives for the company. Her responsibilities include steering new product innovation, working closely with the sales team and customers to provide support while ensuring that products meet the highest quality standards. She is also tasked with overseeing nutritional specifications and labels as well as managing the research and development team.
With more than a decade of industry experience, Farrell has worked as a food scientist across many different categories of food and beverage during her tenure at PepsiCo. and Unilever. She has also led innovative, award-winning teams by embracing a passion-first attitude and supporting ongoing professional development.
Farrell has a B.S. in Food Science from Purdue University. She is currently the chair for Chicagoland Food Science Foundation (CFSF) and past chair for the Chicago Section Institute of Food Technologists (CSIFT). Farrell is a recipient of the CSIFT-Ellery H. Harvey Service award, and a long-time volunteer at Institute of Food Technologists (IFT). She has also served as a judge for the Prepared Foods Magazine Spirit of Innovation awards.
