Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
References
Timeline
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Richard Eaken

Keller

Summary

A highly self-motivated professional with over 20 years experience in the food quality industry. Proven ability in quality assurance and product development in both manufacturing and corporate environments. A leader who reliably meets goals and expectations who has built strong business relationships throughout the food industry.

Overview

24
24
years of professional experience

Work History

Director Technical Services

CTI Foods
09.2014 - 01.2024
  • Reduced costs, optimized resource allocation, and improved efficiency in managing projects.
  • Cost savings (through process improvement 240K, taco line improvement 710K EBITDA, customer testing 500K, bean waste 200K, taco weight 500K
  • Enhanced operational efficiency by implementing streamlined processes and innovative technology solutions.
  • Reduced downtime and increased productivity by proactively managing hardware and software maintenance tasks.
  • Established strong relationships with key stakeholders to ensure seamless service delivery and client satisfaction.
  • Wrote quality program and highest audit score
  • Harpc and redzone implementation
  • Supervisory role over managers and numerous facilities
  • Commercialization development to speed product time to market
  • Excellence in food saftey scores, highest in history after implementing BRC
  • Streamlined the product development process for faster time-to-market and improved efficiency.
  • Optimized product performance with data-driven analysis and continuous improvement initiatives.

Sr. Manager, Supply and Distribution Quality

Pizza Hut Corporate Headquarters
09.2012 - 09.2014
  • Supply and Distribution Quality
  • Oversaw Supply Quality (350 ingredients, 600 suppliers, 21 distribution centers)
  • Supervise Product Quality Managers


Product Manager

Pizza Hut, Dallas, TX
09.1999 - 09.2012
  • Quality Assurance, R&D
  • Yearly audits on dairy, dough, sauce, seasoning, meat, and poultry suppliers
  • Drive quality ingredients through development of tightly defined specifications that meet process capability
  • Commercialize multiple products as well as approve alternate suppliers for R&D
  • Developed KPI reports to improve product consistency and reduce defects for Pizza Hut supply base
  • Develop and maintain a crisis product recovery system
  • Implemented Six Sigma approach to continuous improvement across Yum! Brands and supply base
  • Created poultry contingency plan in case of Avian Flu outbreak

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Biology

Baylor University
Waco, TX

Skills

  • Knowledgeable in FDA, FSMA, USDA, GFSI, HACCP, and GMP regulations
  • Data-Driven Decision-Making
  • Cross-Functional Team Leadership and Collaboration
  • QA Expertise Food Industry (Corporate and Plant Based)
  • Project Management
  • Skilled in Statistical Process Control (SPC)
  • Customer Relationship Management
  • Cost savings and Strategic Management
  • Certifications: Six Sigma Certification (Green and Black Belt), HACCP, PCQI, BRC
  • Technology Systems and Software Proficiency Including Genesis, Statgraphics, Mini-tab, MS Office, Lotus 1-2-3, Infinity?, Intelex, Redzone

References

Sharon Beals, Chief Food Safety and Quality Officer, CTI Foods, 312-261-0623

Janice Eldridge, Quality Systems Manager, CTI Foods, 859-983-0273

Derek Glossup, Vice President of Finance, CTI Foods, 817-296-9503

Kyle Christofferson, Vice President of Sales, CTI Foods, 208-794-7652

Kevin Crooks, Vice President of Sales, Paradise Tomato Kithchents, 214-755-0050

Timeline

Director Technical Services

CTI Foods
09.2014 - 01.2024

Sr. Manager, Supply and Distribution Quality

Pizza Hut Corporate Headquarters
09.2012 - 09.2014

Product Manager

Pizza Hut, Dallas, TX
09.1999 - 09.2012

Bachelor of Arts - Biology

Baylor University

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