PepsiCo Australia has announced the appointment of Kathy Usic as Research & Development Life Sciences Assoc. Manager at PepsiCo Australia and New Zealand. The appointment follows the launch of PepsiCo’s healthy snack ambition which will see 30% of the PepsiCo snack range achieve a Health Star Rating of 3.5 or above by 2030.
With over 35 years of experience in the FMCG and health sectors, alongside extensive work for non-for-profit organisations including Diabetes Australia and the Healthy Kids Association, Ms Usic will play a key role in advising the business on how it can continue to lead the way in bringing more options to consumers by bringing healthier options to market and reformulating market-leading brands such as Doritos, Red Rock Deli and Smith’s.
PepsiCo ANZ CEO Kyle Faulconer says: “Kathy is a deeply accomplished health and nutrition professional and business leader. Who demonstrates a genuine passion for helping people make better choices – for their health and for the planet. Her values as a professional are truly aligned to our commitment to PepsiCo Positive – putting sustainability at the centre of how we source ingredients, make and sell products and inspire consumers to make better choices for themselves and the planet.
“Her strategic experience leading large change management programs focused on improving health, wellness and nutrition within large scale organisations makes Kathy the perfect fit as we further our commitment to providing more choice to consumers. We are excited to welcome Kathy to the PepsiCo team.”
Prior to joining PepsiCo, Ms Usic held the roles of CEO and Head of Program Development within the Glycemic Index Foundation (GIF), responsible for managing core internal operations, developing relationships with key partners, and growing awareness for GIF’s activities. Ms Usic’s previous experience includes leading nutritional roles at George Weston Foods, Campbell Arnott’s and Goodman Fielder, alongside work for the NSW School Canteen Association.
Commenting on her appointment within PepsiCo ANZ Kathy Usic says, “I am proud to join the PepsiCo team at such a pivotal moment in the company’s ongoing portfolio transformation journey. I look forward to working with the PepsiCo team as we continue to provide Aussie consumers with more positive choices.”
Ms Usic commenced her role at PepsiCo Australia and New Zealand last week and will be based in Sydney.