Heidi Kleinbach-Sauter - PepsiCo
Senior Vice President, Global Foods R&D
Dr. Heidi Kleinbach-Sauter is Senior Vice President of PepsiCo’s Global Foods R&D with global R&D responsibility for PepsiCo’s worldwide innovation platforms for savory snacks and overall foods business.
With over 25 years of experience in the CPG Foods and Beverages industry, Dr. Kleinbach-Sauter has a proven track record of leading and commercializing a large number of foods and beverages innovations in more than 10 different categories that have delighted consumers in many parts of the world and have driven impressive business results.
Dr. Kleinbach-Sauter earned her PhD, MS and BS in Food Science/ Engineering/Nutrition from Universities in Germany.
Why do you believe STEM Education and Workforce are important to our nation?
Having worked in a science and technology role in the food Industry for more than 20 years I realize the critical importance of continuing to fill our talent pipeline with high caliber STEM talents. Our continued focus on educating and fostering STEM talents will be a pivotal part of keeping our country highly competitive and will secure a sustainable and long term future.
What can we do to assure more women leaders in STEM?
I have always had tremendous passion to get women excited about the fabulous opportunities that careers in Science and Technology can offer to women. I will stay fully committed to communicate the power of the STEM network to many women I work with and will encourage these to actively benefit from the many opportunities the STEM network offers, exchanging learnings, sharing experiences and best practices but also to simply enjoy each other as professionals and friends.
What about STEM gives you passion?
I am tremendously impressed about the holistic network, processes and systems STEM has created to link together Government, Industry, State and Federal STEM organizations to generate synergies, innovation and foster personal connections all with one goal in mind- to continue to outperform the world by building best in class STEM talent.
Of what one initiative you are most proud?
I have started my career at the work floor and have diligently worked my way up, always tremendously enjoying what I do, working hard, learning every day, staying humble, nurturing the talent in people I work with and -at the same time- acknowledging that nothing of this would have happened without a loving family always there to support me.
