Jodi Benson
About Jodi Benson
Jodi Benson is the Chief Innovation, Technology, and Quality Officer at General Mills in the Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area, with a long history of leadership roles in innovation and quality within the food industry.
Current Role at General Mills
Jodi Benson serves as the Chief Innovation, Technology, and Quality Officer at General Mills in the Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area. In this leadership position, she oversees the innovation and development of new food products while ensuring quality standards are met. Jodi also heads the Innovation, Technology, and Quality Center of Expertise, directing strategic initiatives to drive technological advancements and maintain high product quality.
Career at General Mills
Jodi Benson has held various significant roles at General Mills. From 2016 to 2017, she worked as the Vice President, International Innovation, Technology, and Quality. She later became the Vice President, One Global Dairy Innovation, Technology, and Quality, based in Paris, France, serving from 2011 to 2016. Additionally, Jodi has held the position of Vice President, Baking Innovation, Technology, Quality, and Marketing New Product Director from 2007 to 2011. Her journey at General Mills started as the Director of Strategy & Innovation from 2004 to 2006.
Professional Background
Before joining General Mills, Jodi Benson worked at the Pillsbury Company and Kraft Foods. Her tenure at Pillsbury saw her occupying roles such as Director R&D Frozen and Refrigerated Products (2001-2004) and Sr Program Leader Foodservice-Channels R&D (1994-2001). She began her professional journey as a Scientist/Engineer at Pillsbury from 1990 to 1994 and started her career as an Engineer at Kraft Foods from 1987 to 1990. These roles have provided her with extensive experience in research and development within the food industry.
Educational Background
Jodi Benson earned a Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Minnesota, studying from 1983 to 1987. Her academic background in chemical engineering laid the foundation for her career in innovation and technology within the food industry. The technical skills and knowledge she gained during her university years have been instrumental in her roles in R&D, innovation, and quality management.
Contributions to Food Industry
Jodi Benson has led the development of innovative food products that cater to diverse dietary needs and preferences. She plays a key role in integrating sustainability practices into the product development process at General Mills. Frequently collaborating with global teams, she drives innovation and quality improvements across different markets. Jodi is an advocate for using technology to enhance food safety and quality standards and encourages a culture of lifelong learning and curiosity within her teams.