Kevin Deegan (PhD in food science) has been appointed Valio’s Chief Innovation Officer and will be responsible for leading innovations at Valio. For the last 1.5 years he has led the consumer and market insight and foresight organisation in Saarioinen and has been a member of Saarioinen’s executive board. He has previously worked at Valio, leading consumer insights and research. He started in this role in March 2022. He will report to Tuomas Salusjärvi, EVP, Growth businesses and R&D.
”Valio’s vision is to be the forerunner in innovative dairy and food solutions and we want to invest even more in Valio’s innovation development. This requires driving the innovation culture and approach throughout the organisation. It’s great to get Kevin Deegan back to Valio He will take full ownership of innovation development and the facilitation of long-term innovation operations. Kevin brings us a new, international approach and expertise – please join me in welcoming Kevin to this new role,” says Tuomas Salusjärvi.
Kevin will ensure that innovations are an important part of our strategy work and that we have the tools and governance model to support implementation throughout the organisation. As part of this work, he will create and maintain networks both internally and externally, with the academic world and with other networks.
“It is an honour for me to get the opportunity to lead innovation in one of world’s most innovative food companies,” says Kevin Deegan.
