Rachel Ward
About Rachel Ward
Rachel Ward is a Managing Scientist at Exponent, with extensive experience in food safety and regulatory affairs. She has held various roles in the food industry, including positions at PepsiCo and as an Independent Food Chain Risk Manager.
Work at Exponent
Rachel Ward has been employed at Exponent as a Managing Scientist since 2021. In this role, she applies her expertise in risk management, supply chain assurance, and regulatory affairs to support clients in the food sector. Her work involves providing scientific insights and consultancy services that leverage her extensive experience in the international food and beverages industry.
Previous Experience at PepsiCo
Rachel Ward worked at PepsiCo in various capacities over a span of ten years. She served as Laboratory Manager from 1997 to 2000, followed by her role as Regulatory Affairs Manager from 2000 to 2006. Subsequently, she took on the position of Food Safety Scientific Regulatory Affairs Manager for Europe from 2006 to 2011. Her tenure at PepsiCo contributed to her comprehensive understanding of food safety and regulatory compliance.
Consultancy Experience
From 2012 to 2021, Rachel Ward operated as an Independent Food Chain Risk Manager through her consultancy, r.ward consultancy limited. In this capacity, she supported food technical professionals and provided consultancy services focused on risk management and regulatory affairs. Her consultancy work is informed by her extensive background in the food and beverage sectors.
Education and Expertise
Rachel Ward holds a BSc (Hons) in Applied Biochemistry from Liverpool John Moores University, which she completed from 1985 to 1989. She furthered her education at the University of Nottingham, where she earned a PhD in in vitro human skin toxicology models between 1989 and 1994. Additionally, she studied at Idsall School from 1981 to 1986. Her academic background supports her expertise in food safety and regulatory affairs.
Professional Affiliations
Rachel Ward is recognized as a Fellow of the Institute of Food Science and Technology (FIFST). She also served as the Scientific Policy Director at the Institute of Food Science and Technology from 2019 to 2021. Her involvement in professional organizations reflects her commitment to advancing the field of food science and technology.