Ingredion appoints James P. Zallie as chairman of its board
The move reunites the chief executive and board chair roles after a period in which the positions were held separately, with Gregory B. Kenny stepping down as non executive chairman while remaining on the board.
USA – Ingredion Incorporated (NYSE: INGR), a global leader in starches, sweeteners, and texture solutions for food, beverages, and industrial uses, has announced that its board unanimously elected President and CEO James P. “Jim” Zallie as Chairman, effective immediately.
Zallie, who joined Ingredion in 2016 and ascended to CEO in 2020, now combines both roles to steer the company’s growth in plant-based ingredients and sustainable formulations amid rising demand for clean-label bakery aids.
The transition follows Gregory B. Kenny’s decision to step down as independent Chairman after serving since 2018, a tenure marked by strategic acquisitions like Kerr Concentrates and Penford, though Kenny remains on the board.
The board also named Victoria J. Reich as lead director to strengthen independent oversight and corporate governance as the company transitions to a combined CEO‑chair structure.
“Jim has demonstrated exceptional leadership and strategic clarity during a period of significant transformation for Ingredion,” Reich stated, praising his grasp of global markets and innovation pipeline.
Headquartered in Westchester, Illinois, Ingredion supplies critical ingredients, such as modified starches and corn derivatives, to bakery giants, enabling better texture in breads, cakes, and snacks without artificial additives.
Zallie’s dual role aligns with ambitions to dominate “texture solutions that make healthy taste better,” leveraging a €7.3 billion (US$8.63B) revenue base across over 40 countries.
Recent wins include expanded pea protein and rice starch lines, catering to vegan and gluten-free trends projected to grow 9% annually through 2030.
This leadership consolidation signals confidence in Zallie’s vision, building on 2025’s 5% organic sales growth and margin gains from supply chain efficiencies.
Ingredion eyes M&A in nature-based texturants, positioning against rivals in the US$50 billion ingredients market.
The appointment reinforces Ingredion’s agility in a volatile commodity landscape and prioritizes innovation for healthier, indulgent foods worldwide.
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