Rachel Vanlandingham

Sr. Manager, Early Stage Innovation Sensory and Consumer Experience at PepsiCo

Speaker

Rachel is a forward-thinking, global sensory and consumer insights expert and leader with over 15 years experience in sensory and innovation. She is currently leading early-stage innovation research at PepsiCo for iconic brands like Pepsi and Gatorade. Rachel has a proven track record in human led insights fueling innovation across her vast experiences, which included leading Global Wellness Sensory and Consumer Insights research at GSK Consumer Healthcare (now Haleon) before PepsiCo. Rachel has extensive experience in consumer insights, product development, and collaboration with R&D and marketing teams. She holds a Master's Degree in Food Science specializing in Sensory Science from Penn State University and a Bachelor's Degree in Food Science and Technology from the University of Tennessee. Rachel is adept in Business Acumen, Design Thinking, Data Analytics, and Team Management. Beyond her experiences in CPG companies, Rachel also served as Adjunct Faculty and Extension Associate at the University of Guam and Guam Community College, contributing to local agriculturists and culinary chefs. Skilled in innovative methodology creation, stakeholder management, and trend hunting, she is dedicated professional with a passion for delivering exceptional consumer experiences.