The leadership team at UPSIDE Foods is the driving force behind the company's strategic direction and key decision-making. They are deeply committed to aligning every choice with the company's mission, ensuring that innovation and growth are at the forefront of their agenda.
Bringing together expertise from various fields, this team excels in fostering a culture of collaboration and operational excellence. Their diverse backgrounds and unified vision make them uniquely equipped to navigate the complexities of the food industry while pushing the boundaries of what's possible.
1) Uma Valeti
Uma Valeti, the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of UPSIDE Foods, is responsible for steering the company towards its mission of revolutionizing the food industry through innovative practices. Under Valeti's leadership, UPSIDE Foods has made significant strides in developing sustainable and ethical food solutions.
Valeti's extensive background in medicine and cardiology has equipped them with a unique perspective on health and nutrition, which they have leveraged to drive the company's growth. Their tenure at prestigious institutions like the University of Minnesota and the Mayo Clinic underscores their commitment to excellence and innovation.
At UPSIDE Foods, Valeti oversees key initiatives aimed at advancing cellular agriculture and promoting food safety. Their leadership has been instrumental in fostering a culture of collaboration and operational excellence, ensuring that the company remains at the forefront of the industry.
2) Amy Chen
Amy Chen, the Chief Operating Officer at UPSIDE Foods, is responsible for overseeing the company's day-to-day operations and ensuring that strategic goals are met. Her expertise in commercial strategy and operational efficiency plays a crucial role in driving the company's growth and innovation.
Chen's professional journey includes significant leadership roles at PepsiCo, where she served in various capacities such as Chief Commercial Officer and Senior Vice President, and Chief Marketing Officer for the Snacks Category in Greater China. Her extensive experience in strategy, marketing, and sales has equipped her with the skills necessary to lead complex projects and drive transformation within the organization.
At UPSIDE Foods, Chen's impact is evident in the successful execution of key initiatives aimed at advancing cellular agriculture and promoting sustainable food solutions. Her leadership and strategic vision are instrumental in fostering a culture of collaboration and operational excellence, ensuring that UPSIDE Foods remains at the forefront of the industry.
3) Kevin Kayser
Kevin Kayser, the Senior Vice President of Research at UPSIDE Foods, is responsible for leading the company's research initiatives and driving innovation in cellular agriculture. His contributions are pivotal in advancing the company's mission to develop sustainable and ethical food solutions.
Kayser's career spans over three decades, with significant roles in biotechnology and bioprocessing. His extensive experience includes leadership positions at Merck KGaA, MilliporeSigma, and Sigma Aldrich, where he honed his skills in research and development, cell sciences, and bioprocessing.
At UPSIDE Foods, Kayser manages a team of dedicated scientists and oversees key projects aimed at enhancing food safety and quality. His expertise in molecular microbiology and bioprocessing is instrumental in driving the company's research and development efforts.
4) Bob Kiss
Bob Kiss, the Executive Vice President of Technical Operations at UPSIDE Foods, is responsible for overseeing the company's technical strategies and ensuring the seamless execution of its innovative projects. With a strong background in chemical engineering, Kiss brings a wealth of expertise in process development and analytical techniques to the team.
Before joining UPSIDE Foods, Kiss held significant roles at Sutro Biopharma, Genentech, and Abgenix, where he led various process and analytical development initiatives. His extensive experience in the biotechnology sector, coupled with his academic credentials from MIT and UC Davis, positions him as a key leader in advancing UPSIDE Foods' mission of developing sustainable food solutions.
5) Sheetal Shah
Sheetal Shah, the Chief Supply Chain & Manufacturing Officer at UPSIDE Foods, is responsible for overseeing the company's supply chain and manufacturing operations. Shah's unique contributions include optimizing production processes and ensuring the seamless delivery of innovative food solutions.
With a career spanning roles at companies like Impossible Foods, Verifone, and Motorola Mobility, Shah brings extensive expertise in supply chain management and operational efficiency. Their leadership has been instrumental in advancing key initiatives aimed at enhancing sustainability and operational excellence within the organization.
6) Michelle Kwait
Michelle Kwait, the Chief Human Resources Officer at UPSIDE Foods, is responsible for overseeing the company's human resources strategies and initiatives. Her expertise in talent management, organizational development, and employee relations ensures that UPSIDE Foods attracts and retains top talent while fostering a positive workplace culture.
Kwait's career spans several prominent roles, including positions at Herbalife, Tysers, and Ghirardelli Chocolate Company, where she honed her skills in HR leadership and strategic planning. Her extensive experience in human resources management is instrumental in driving key projects and initiatives that support the company's growth and operational excellence.
7) Sean Edgett
Sean Edgett, the Chief Legal Officer at UPSIDE Foods, is responsible for overseeing the company's legal strategies and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. His expertise in corporate law and governance is crucial in navigating the complex legal landscape of the food industry.
Edgett's career includes significant roles at Match Group, Twitter, and NetApp, where he honed his skills in legal counsel and corporate governance. At UPSIDE Foods, he manages key legal projects and initiatives, contributing to the company's mission of developing sustainable and ethical food solutions.
UPSIDE Foods Org Chart
At the top of UPSIDE Foods' organizational chart is Uma Valeti, the Chief Executive Officer and Founder, who steers the company towards its mission of revolutionizing the food industry. Reporting directly to Valeti are key executives including Amy Chen, the Chief Operating Officer, and Sean Edgett, the Chief Legal Officer, ensuring that strategic goals are met and regulatory compliance is maintained.
Supporting this leadership team are specialized roles such as Kevin Kayser, the Senior Vice President of Research, and Bob Kiss, the Executive Vice President of Technical Operations, who drive innovation and technical strategies. Additionally, Sheetal Shah, the Chief Supply Chain & Manufacturing Officer, and Michelle Kwait, the Chief Human Resources Officer, oversee the seamless delivery of products and foster a positive workplace culture, respectively, aligning with the company's values of sustainability and operational excellence.