KENNETH VALENTA
Seattle,WA
Summary
Dynamic Product Developer with a proven track record in beverage innovation and commercialization, dedicated to continuous learning and solving complex challenges. Passionate about advancing technical expertise, mentoring colleagues, and enhancing leadership impact to drive strategic growth. Proficient in Human-Centered Design, scale-up processes, sensory evaluation, and fostering cross-functional collaboration to create exceptional beverage experiences. Eager to expand strategic influence, refine executive communication skills, and lead intricate multi-channel projects that will shape the future of Starbucks.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Product Developer – Global Channel Beverage – AP Region (South Korea & Japan)
Starbucks SSC
09.2022 - Current
- Partnered cross-functionally to lead beverage development for Japan and Korea markets, applying Human-Centered Design and technical expertise to create customer-focused solutions.
- Managed scale-up from pilot to commercialization, ensuring quality and operational excellence across chilled, ambient, and refreshment categories.
- Applied deep technical knowledge in carbonation and RTD formulation to support expansion into refreshment category beyond coffee.
- Developed standardized formula documentation and plant trial protocols to enable retention and efficient scale-up.
- Facilitated innovation workshops and storytelling sessions with leadership to advance concepts and strengthen FY26 pipeline.
- Built partnerships with SEJ (7-Eleven) and external vendors to deliver exclusive offerings and strengthen market presence.
- Demonstrated leadership by taking ownership of Japan RTD calls and leading Korea calls, driving strategic influence and collaboration. Driving for clarity within briefs and focus drive for consumer target.
Quality Assurance Technician
Starbucks Kent Roasting Plant
06.2019 - 09.2022
- Applied technical knowledge to develop and maintain processing and product specifications, ensuring compliance with food safety, quality assurance, and BRC standards.
- Conducted sensory evaluations and daily product analysis to validate quality and consistency, supporting continuous improvement initiatives.
- Authored and implemented SOPs and SSOPs for plant operations, enhancing standardization and regulatory compliance.
- Led risk assessments and HACCP-based audits to mitigate food safety hazards and maintain certification requirements.
- Collaborated cross-functionally with manufacturing and R&D teams to troubleshoot process issues and optimize production efficiency.
- Supported scale-up trials and process validation for new products, bridging bench-top formulations to full-scale manufacturing.
- Delivered training to plant personnel on quality standards and food safety practices, fostering a culture of compliance and operational excellence.
Quality Assurance Technician & R&D Technician
Field Roast Grain Meat Co.
06.2015 - 06.2016
- Developed and maintained processing and product specifications to ensure compliance with food safety, quality assurance, and BRC standards.
Shift Supervisor & Barista
Starbucks Stores
01.2011 - 01.2015
- Demonstrated strong leadership by overseeing daily operations and ensuring smooth workflows, fostering team engagement and accountability.
- Delivered comprehensive training and coaching to partners on beverage standards and operational excellence, enhancing consistency and customer experience.
- Maintained rigorous quality and safety standards through proactive monitoring and corrective actions, supporting store performance and compliance.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Food Science
Washington State University
01.2015
Skills
- MS Suite
- Optiva
- Oracle
- Microthermics UHT
- Genesis Nutrition Label Software
- Human-centered design
- Beverage development
- Product commercialization
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Training and development
- Strategic partnerships
- Technical problem solving
Accomplishments
- Delivered 23 new launches in Japan (11 Chilled Cup, 12 Ambient) and 6 in Korea, driving category growth and elevating customer experience.
- Achieved 186M units sold in Japan and 115M in Korea, despite market challenges, through strategic planning and agile development.
- Executed record-breaking launch for new national platform Coffee of the Day (COD): 31M units shipped in 20 days, setting a new benchmark for speed-to-market.
- Increased innovation output by 40% through agile, channel-agnostic development processes across chilled, ambient, and refreshment categories.
- Expanded reach by 35% via vending machine testing and secured 65K new distribution points in CVS and supermarkets.
- Led Innovation Workshop with DSF & AP teams, fueling FY26 pipeline and strengthening cross-functional collaboration.
- Advanced technical expertise in carbonation by cross functional learning and development and RTD formulation, supporting expansion into refreshment category beyond coffee and furthering partner collaboration on channel team.
Certification
- Certified Coffee Master (3x): Latest September 2024
- LUMA Practitioner Certified: November 2022
- Better Processing School Certified: January 2025
- Baking Fundamentals self-led course certified: February 2025
- Microthermics UHT Certified Process Operator: July 2022 & AI Unit August 2023
- HACCP Certified: February 2015
- Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Certified: February 2015
- Six Sigma White Belt Certified – Lean process manufacturing and quality analytics – 2015
- Tea Sensory Trainer – Kent Roasting Plant
- Starbucks Barista Trainer & Shift Supervisor
- Led Innovation Workshops and cross-functional PODs FY25 and FY26
- Co-Leading Channel Agnostic Innovation workshop FY26
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Product Developer – Global Channel Beverage – AP Region (South Korea & Japan)
Starbucks SSC
09.2022 - Current
Quality Assurance Technician
Starbucks Kent Roasting Plant
06.2019 - 09.2022
Quality Assurance Technician & R&D Technician
Field Roast Grain Meat Co.
06.2015 - 06.2016
Shift Supervisor & Barista
Starbucks Stores
01.2011 - 01.2015
Bachelor of Science - Food Science
Washington State University