Iris Tzafrir

About Iris Tzafrir

Known as an inspirational and influential cross-functional leader in strategy and business development, deal making, value actualization, and merger integration. A driven, visionary leader that can get things done and bring people along to achieve business results. Currently as the Global Director of Innovation Value Capture with Cargill, I partner with commercial and technical leaders to build growth capabilities across enterprises. Previously, as Principal Owner with TZ Consulting, I engaged with biotechnology, agriculture and food and beverage clients to build enterprise value through partnerships, advise on strategy and business development investments, and manage alliances to deliver product, go-to-market and valuation results.Previously, as the Strategy and Business Development Manager at Syngenta, I served as a trusted advisor of the global senior executive team. Colleagues recognize me as the go-to person to “get things done”, facilitate difficult conversations, and resolve complex business challenges. Industry expertise in highly regulated and high reliability sectors, food production, genomics, biotechnology, and biological innovations. In prior roles, I developed, negotiated, and managed global alliances to create innovative products and service offerings for growers. Beforehand, as the Patent Technology Expert with a law firm, I advised agriculture, medical devices, manufacturing and biotechnology clients on patent prosecution and freedom to operate for their global business operations.Not your typical commercial strategist, I grew up in a Kibbutz in the Negev desert of Israel, the daughter of 2 Holocaust survivors. My Dad was a farmer, journalist, teacher and poet, my Mom was the Principal in the regional School for the Deaf and an artist. I emigrated to the US for graduate school where I studied virology. Like my parents, I love to learn and I am committed to making the world a better place.Through my volunteerism and public speaking at business events, communities of faith, schools and universities, I share insights on anti-racism, recognition of the other and the importance of working together in teams.

Experience

1. Global Director Innovation Value Capture

   Cargill

   Jan 2021 — Present

   Stood up Innovation Value Capture pillar in R&D and Innovation organization: collaborated to develop and execute IP strategies for Global Edible Oils Solutions and Alternative Protein categories, formed and leading cross-functional teams dedicated to solving for customer needs and business objectives using partnerships, intellectual property, branding, licensing, and strategic pricing approaches• Activated and manage a new Patent Scientist team to enable growth ambitions, market differentiation and return on R&D investments• Thought leader and commercial advisor to restructuring of specialty canola oils business

Education

• University of Minnesota

  Ph.D., Plant Biological Sciences

• Drew University

  B.A., Biology, Biochemistry