Brian Ekins
South Jordan
Summary
Passionate quality and food safety leader with 28 years of manufacturing experience with four of the top global food companies. Consumer centric and responsive to feedback. Strong belief in training, building trusting relationships, and maximizing the performance of teams. Effective in developing a strong culture of excellence. Broad experience in multiple food categories: frozen entrees, frozen potatoes, salad dressings, dried hard cheeses, cookies, crackers, and yogurt. Regulatory experience with USDA, FDA, Organic, Gluten Free, FSSC 22000. Proven problem solver with consistent track record of improving KPI's and driving adherence to standards.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Quality
Danone North America
06.2014 - Current
- Reduced consumer complaints by 67%
- Reduced non-conforming finished goods loss by 78%
- Reduced micro spoilage by 80%
- Developed and implemented all Quality programs (RCPS, CAPA, Risk Assessment, HACCP, EMP, Internal audits)
- Implemented allergen control programs on two new production lines
- Mentored and developed team of 20 (3 interns to full-time and 5 promotions)
- Developed micro spoilage standard playbook for prevention and investigation
- Led plant to highest quality culture survey score among all Danone North America plants
- Developed best practice CIP validation program
- Created change management program
- Chosen as POC for Senior Plant Director while out
- Consulted as expert on Corporate Crisis Team
Technical Services Manager
Mondelez International
06.2008 - 06.2014
1,000,000 Sq ft Flagship Bakery with 7 production lines (Chips Ahoy, Oreo, Ritz, Premium, Cheese Nips)
Quality Systems Manager
Kraft Foods
05.2004 - 06.2008
Dried, Shredded Hard Aged Cheese- Green Can Parmesan Cheese and Dried Mac 'N Cheese Powder
Quality Systems Leader
Kraft Foods
09.2000 - 05.2004
Kraft's Largest Plant- Salad Dressings, Processed Cheese and Macaroni and Cheese
Quality Assurance Supervisor
Nestle USA
05.1998 - 09.2000
Frozen Processed Potatoes (French Fries and Hashbrowns) McDonalds, Burger King, Wendy's
Education
Bachelor of Science - Food Science And Technology
Brigham Young University
Provo, UT04.1998
Skills
- Problem Solving
- Mentorship
- Critical Thinking
- Summarizing Complex Data
- Strategic Planning
- Action Tracking and Follow-Up
- Data Analysis and Visual Animation
- Trending and Issue Resolution
- Fluent in Spanish
- Quality risk assessment
Timeline
Director of Quality
Danone North America
06.2014 - Current
Technical Services Manager
Mondelez International
06.2008 - 06.2014
Quality Systems Manager
Kraft Foods
05.2004 - 06.2008
Quality Systems Leader
Kraft Foods
09.2000 - 05.2004
Quality Assurance Supervisor
Nestle USA
05.1998 - 09.2000
Bachelor of Science - Food Science And Technology
Brigham Young University