Niel Sandfort
About Niel Sandfort
Niel Sandfort serves as the Chief Innovation Officer at Chobani, where he has worked since 2020, leading product strategy and development. He holds a BS in Marketing & Entrepreneurship from Babson College and an MA in Food Systems from New York University.
Work at Chobani
Niel Sandfort has held the position of Chief Innovation Officer at Chobani since 2020. In this role, he leads a team focused on product strategy, food and packaging development, and the management of live products with P&L leadership. Prior to becoming Chief Innovation Officer, he served as Vice President of New Product Development from 2015 to 2020. Sandfort's holistic approach to innovation connects manufacturing and R&D capabilities with consumer and customer needs, contributing to Chobani's product offerings.
Education and Expertise
Niel Sandfort earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing and Entrepreneurship from Babson College, where he studied from 1996 to 2000. He later pursued a Master of Arts in Food Systems at New York University, completing his studies from 2006 to 2008. His educational background provides a strong foundation for his work in product development and innovation within the food industry.
Background
Niel Sandfort grew up in an environment influenced by family dairy and baking businesses, which ignited his interest in farming, product development, marketing, and manufacturing. This background has shaped his career trajectory and approach to innovation in the food sector. He currently resides on a small farm in the Hudson Valley with his wife and three daughters.
Previous Experience
Before joining Chobani, Niel Sandfort worked as a Senior Product Manager at Globix in New York City from 2001 to 2004. He also served as a Market Insights Specialist at The Food Group from 2006 to 2010. These roles provided him with valuable experience in product management and market analysis, further enhancing his expertise in the food industry.