Diana L. Ortiz
Oviedo,FL
Summary
Highly effective problem solver, collaborator, and early adopter with a proven track record of identifying innovative solutions that have both immediate and long-term positive impact. Passionate about keeping Quality relevant by adapting to the latest technology trends and improving our product's position in the marketplace. Extensive experience with GFSI scheme programs, QSA and GMP audits, and wide knowledge of packaging technologies for the food and beverage industry.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Director – Food Safey & Quality Assurance
PepsiCo
09.2022 - Current
- Managing diverse team, and responsible for delivering Innovation in CSDs and Gatorade portfolio with zero recalls or withdrawals.
- Lead foodservice equipment quality assurance programs at a global scale, including on-site assessments and supplier audits.
- Direct the implementation and maintenance of third-party certification claims such as Non-GMO, Rainforest Alliance, Organic, and NSF Certified for Sports for Pepsi Beverages North America.
- Lead and coordinate the update of PBNA fountain trade quality scorecard and transitioning data analysis and reporting over to tableau/lighthouse.
- Provide overall leadership and direction to packaging and equipment QA team, driving on-going changes, continuous improvement and monitoring performance against targets.
Sr. Manager QA Innovation/Equipment/Claims
PepsiCo
03.2016 - 09.2022
- Led cross-functional teams to achieve project milestones and deliver high-quality results.
- Managed product compliance to regulatory requirements, food safety and quality standards during execution of cost reduction initiatives of packages released to market.
- Delivered near $12MM in productivity savings with no recalls.
- Supported engineering, manufacturing and supply chain quality control teams to verify adherence to quality standards during deployment of new packages/processes.
- Delivered 15% reduction of travel related expenses by risk-based approach and supplier selection strategy.
Principal Engineer Quality by Design
PepsiCo
12.2010 - 03.2016
- Developed measurement tools and processes to monitor and improve quality of finished goods.
- Identified packaging quality risk areas in innovation projects and managed risk mitigation during commercialization of new packages.
- Led cross-functional teams in manufacturing, R&D, packaging, and marketing to develop and implement QA standards and procedures to enhance the execution of product packaging and improve on-shelf presence.
- Created and implemented primary and secondary packaging quality best practices and procedures by working with purchasing teams, packaging suppliers, R&D, Marketing and Operations.
Sr. Engineer II, R&D Packaging Innovation
PepsiCo
09.2006 - 12.2010
- Led commercialization of new packaging for SoBe, AMP Energy, and Lipton brands.
- Secured intellectual property by utility and design of multiple patent concepts with AMP gel shots.
- Led implementation of emerging development technologies to key brands and championed push into commercialization phase: e.g. DSIB for enabling Gatorade lighter weight bottle.
- Drove innovation and growth by leveraging suppliers and business partners to deliver bottle and closure packaging innovation agenda, including commercialization of new packages.
- Developed new applications of IoI (inject over inject) process by using smart materials and softer polymers over PET, new in the industry.
- Created new bottle designs and profiles by leveraging properties of new material technology (SoBe Life water bottle).
- Executed qualifications, necessary testing and developed packaging specs.
Packaging Scientist & Innovation Engineer
M&M Mars
05.2004 - 09.2006
- Deployed laser-labeling technologies to reduce inventory of pet food pouches in manufacturing lines and achieved “just in time” benefits and savings of over $300,000/year.
- Optimized structure of thermoformed Cesar® dog food containers to reduce cost and enhance reliability during manufacturing for retort applications with savings of $1 million/year.
- Implemented new materials and processes to provide flexibility for new package design and improved quality check systems for quick identification of defects during current filling/sealing operations.
- Managed projects to develop new and emerging technologies in Pet Food segment such as coating applications, form/fill processes for plastic containers and extrusion, using these technologies for new product creation.
- Secured contracts and executed projects for food extrusion technologies from proof-of-concept, budgeting, equipment sourcing, to pilot plant installation, experimentation and product recipe optimization within 7 months. Patent filed: Low shear meat analog.
Education
M.S - Chemical Engineering and Materials Science
University of Oklahoma
Norman, OK05.2004
B.S - Chemical Engineering
University of Oklahoma
Norman, OK05.2001
Skills
- Quality systems
- Data Analysis
- Risk Management
- Preventive Control Qualified Individual Certification – PCQI 2021
- Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP)
- Project Risk Management Certification - PMI 2012
- Packaging for thermal process of food and beverages
- Power Bi, Tableau
Accomplishments
- Patent # D656010 & # D656009 March 20, 2012. “Container”. PepsiCo Inc.
- Patent # D646968 October 18, 2011. “Container”. PepsiCo Inc.
- Patent # 8529974 September 10, 2013. “Collapsible container”. PepsiCo Inc.
- Patent # 8628815 January 14, 2014. “Low shear meat analog”. Mars Incorporated.
- Patent # D618860 June 29, 2010. “Multi-piece feeding bowl”. Mars Incorporated.
- Preventive Control Qualified Individual Certification – PCQI 2021.
- Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP).
- Project Risk Management Certification – PMI 2012.
- Experience in packaging for thermal process of food and beverages (Tunnel pasteurization, Retort, Hydrostat).
- Fiber technologies: Spunbonding, melt spinning.
- Subject matter expert in flexible Packaging, rigid Packaging, closure Systems, injection and blow molding for hot and cold fill.
Additional Information
- "Characterization of Fibers Produced from Blends of Polybutylene and Polypropylene”. Journal of Engineered fibers and Fabrics. Volume 2, Issue 3, pages 29-39. 2007
- “Melt-Spun Polybutylene Fibers and Nonwovens”. International Nonwovens Journal. Vol. 14 (4), January 2006
- “Enhancing the strength of polypropylene fibers with carbon nanotubes”. Journal of Applied Polymer Science. Volume 93, Issue 6, pages 2926-2933. July, 2004
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
English
Native or Bilingual
French
Limited Working
Timeline
Director – Food Safey & Quality Assurance
PepsiCo
09.2022 - Current
Sr. Manager QA Innovation/Equipment/Claims
PepsiCo
03.2016 - 09.2022
Principal Engineer Quality by Design
PepsiCo
12.2010 - 03.2016
Sr. Engineer II, R&D Packaging Innovation
PepsiCo
09.2006 - 12.2010
Packaging Scientist & Innovation Engineer
M&M Mars
05.2004 - 09.2006
M.S - Chemical Engineering and Materials Science
University of Oklahoma
B.S - Chemical Engineering
University of Oklahoma
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