Juan F. De Villena
About Juan F. De Villena
Senior Vice President of Quality Assurance and Food Safety
Juan DeVillena holds the position of Senior Vice President of Quality Assurance and Food Safety. He joined the company in 2004 and has climbed the ranks through various roles, including quality assurance supervisor, quality assurance manager, plant manager, operations manager, and director of quality assurance and food safety. His most recent role was as vice president for quality assurance and food safety for the company’s fresh and prepared foods business units.
Education and Expertise
Juan DeVillena possesses an extensive academic background in food science and animal science. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Food Science and a professional degree in food engineering from the Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina in Peru. Additionally, DeVillena earned a Master of Science degree in Food Science from the University of Maryland and a doctorate degree in animal science from Texas Tech University. His educational qualifications are complemented by his practical experience gained through research roles at the United States Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Veterinary Medicine and the University of Maryland’s Nutrition and Food Science Department.
Professional Background and Roles
Before his tenure with his current company, Juan DeVillena held significant roles in operations, quality assurance, and food safety for another poultry integrator. His career has been marked by his ascent from supporting roles to senior leadership positions. His roles have included quality assurance supervisor, quality assurance manager, plant manager, operations manager, and director of quality assurance and food safety. In his trajectory, DeVillena has consistently demonstrated his expertise in ensuring the highest standards of food safety and quality assurance.
Achievements and Industry Contributions
Juan DeVillena's contributions to the field have been recognized through various nominations and appointments. Notably, he received a nomination for Texas Tech University’s ‘Outstanding Research Award.’ He is a sought-after lecturer who has shared his knowledge at international forums, conferences, and universities such as Texas Tech University, Auburn University, the University of North Georgia, the University of Georgia, and the University of Arizona. DeVillena also actively contributes to industry standards and advancements as the chairman for the advisory committee to the Agricultural Technology Research Program at the Georgia Institute of Technology and serves on several planning committees for the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association.