Marianne Gillette

Marianne Gillette Marianne has been an integral part of McCormick's research team for 34 years, overseeing the technical competencies that contribute to McCormick's most important product—flavor. These competencies include culinary, sensory, chemistry, microbiology, food sciences, and creative sciences. In recent years, she has introduced new methods for sensory and analytical assessment of foods, including measurement of emotion. Marianne's team – which consists of chefs, flavorists and sensory experts - is developing new forms of healthy spice and herb extracts, technologies for fresher herbs and spices, and new ingredients to create unique, cost-effective flavors for consumers and companies alike.

Marianne's function is central to the creation and measurement of flavor—from molecule to menu. McCormick's Technology Innovation Center, where she spends most of her time, determines the molecules that drive flavor - providing critical direction to development of exciting new flavors and products for restaurant and major food company customers.

Food safety and lab integrity is another critical part of Marianne's job. In fact, she oversees a function that audits more than 90 quality labs around the globe to assure that McCormick products are properly analyzed and of the highest, consistent quality.

Marianne earned her MBA from the University of Baltimore and both BS/MS in Nutrition Science from the University of California at Davis. She has published and presented on the topics of sensory science, herbs and spices, flavor trends, and product development. Marianne is a Past President of Food Update Foundation and is a Past President of the Institute of Food Technologists.

What do you feel you can contribute to the growth and advancement of IFT?
I can contribute with the perspectives of a local member of IFT, a division member and as a past president of IFT. IFT has been a critical element in my professional life from the moment I went on my first job interview. I will continue to contribute to the future health and growth of IFT in any way that I am asked. I have strong opinions regarding the potential of IFT and value of active members. N&E is a good place to invest my perspectives and passions. A few of my specific areas of interest include:
1) Identification, Mentoring and Nurturing of emerging IFT leadership. 2) Connection of individual membership to leadership within IFT. 3) Help manage a balanced conversation with the food community on the topic of processed foods. 4) Strategic visioning of the IFT Expo of the Future.

Formal Education
University of Baltimore: MBA, Marketing
University of California, Davis: MS, Nutrition Science
University of California, Davis: BS, Nutrition Science

Career History

Organization	Position(s) Held	Dates of Employment
McCormick & Co., Inc.	Vice President, Applied Research	2011-Present
McCormick & Co., Inc.	Vice President, Technical Competencies and Platforms	2005-2011
McCormick & Co., Inc.	Director of Product Development for Restaurants	1998-2005
McCormick & Co., Inc.	Director of Marketing	1996-1998
McCormick & Co., Inc.	Marketing Manager	1994-1996
McCormick & Co., Inc.	Product Evaluation Manager	1987-1994
McCormick & Co., Inc.	Manager of Applied Technology	1987-1996
McCormick & Co., Inc.	Sensory Evaluation Group Leader	1978-1986
McCormick & Co., Inc.	Sensory Evaluation Technologist	1977-1979

Leadership Experience

Organization	Position	Dates Held
Institute of Food Technologists	Sensory and Consumer Sciences Division, Chair-Elect	1986-1987
Institute of Food Technologists	Sensory and Consumer Sciences Division, Chair	1987-1988
Institute of Food Technologists	Sensory and Consumer Sciences Division, Councilor	1995-1996
Institute of Food Technologists	Sensory and Consumer Sciences Division, Councilor	1997-1998
Institute of Food Technologists	Maryland Section Leadership, Alternate Councilor	1989-1991
Institute of Food Technologists	Committee on Sections & Divisions	1989-1992
Institute of Food Technologists	Committee on Sections & Divisions	1992-1994
Institute of Food Technologists	Maryland Section Leadership, Councilor	1995-1996
Institute of Food Technologists	Executive Committee	1996-1999
Institute of Food Technologists	Long Range Planning	1997-1998
Institute of Food Technologists	Executive Committee	1998-1999
Institute of Food Technologists	Functional Food Pavilion Task Force	1999-2000
Institute of Food Technologists	Research Report Task Force	1999-2000
Institute of Food Technologists	Calvert L. Willey Award Jury	1999-2002
Institute of Food Technologists	Task Force on New Business Opportunities	2002-2003
Institute of Food Technologists	Committee on Divisions, Past Chair	2003-2004
Institute of Food Technologists	IFT Press Advisory Group	2003-2005
Institute of Food Technologists	Calvert L. Willey Award Jury	2003-2006
Institute of Food Technologists	Stephen S. Chang Award Jury	2007-2008
Institute of Food Technologists	President-Elect	2008-2009
Institute of Food Technologists	President	2009-2010
Institute of Food Technologists	Immediate Past President	2010-2011
Institute of Food Technologists	Credentialing Feasibility Advisory Panel	2008-2009
Institute of Food Technologists	Ipex Work Group	2008-2009
Institute of Food Technologists	Senior Food Officials Task Force, Chair	2008-2009
Institute of Food Technologists	Stephen S. Chang Award Jury, Chair	2008-2009
Institute of Food Technologists	Feeding Tomorrow Board of Trustees	2008-2011
Institute of Food Technologists	Finance Committee	2008-2011
Institute of Food Technologists	Division Design Task Force	2009-2010
Institute of Food Technologists	Babcock Hart Award Jury	2010-2011
Institute of Food Technologists	Food Tech Industrial Achievement Award Jury	2011-2012
Institute of Food Technologists	Technical Research Paper Reviewers	2011-2012
Food Update Foundation	Board of Directors	2000-2009
Food Update Foundation	Program Chair/President	2002-2004
Meals on Wheels of Central Maryland	Board of Directors	1993

Professional and Community Recognition

IFT Fellow (2008)
IFT Philadelphia Section Award
Purdue University Lecturer