Jorge Hernandez
About Jorge Hernandez
Jorge Hernandez serves as the Quality Assurance Vice President at The Wendy's Company, where he oversees food safety and quality across 30 countries. He has extensive experience in food safety management, having held senior positions at various organizations including US Foods and the National Restaurant Association.
Current Role at Wendy's
Jorge Hernandez serves as the Quality Assurance Vice President at The Wendy's Company since 2019. In this role, he is responsible for overseeing food safety and quality across Wendy's restaurants in 30 countries. His duties include ensuring compliance with nutritional and allergen information, as well as menu labeling. He also provides leadership in animal welfare initiatives, ensuring that the brand maintains high standards in these areas.
Previous Experience in Food Safety
Prior to his current position, Jorge Hernandez held several significant roles in the food safety sector. He worked as the Chief Food Safety Officer at Wholesome International from 2016 to 2019. Before that, he served as the Senior Vice President of Food Safety and Quality Assurance at US Foods from 2004 to 2015. His earlier experience includes a decade as the Vice President of Food Safety & Risk Management at the National Restaurant Association from 1994 to 2004.
Education and Expertise
Jorge Hernandez has a diverse educational background. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Biology and Chemistry from Rockford University. He also studied Languages and History at Université Paris-Sorbonne. Additionally, he holds a degree in Microbiology and Medical Studies from Instituto Politécnico Nacional. He further enhanced his leadership skills by completing an Executive Leadership program at Saïd Business School, University of Oxford.
Early Career in Public Health
Jorge Hernandez began his career in public health, working as a Sanitarian at Winnebago County Health Department from 1986 to 1988. He then advanced to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), where he served as a Sanitarian V from 1988 to 1994. His early roles provided him with foundational knowledge and experience in food safety and public health regulations.