Nicolas Deak
Food Science Leader | Driving Innovation in B2B, CPG, Retail & Food Service | Pragmatic Problem Solver | AI Enthusiast | Aspiring C- Level Executive | 25+ Years of Impact | Championing Innovation & Execution
- Role
- Director Process Development at Freshpet
- Location
- Bethlehem, PA, US
- LinkedIn followers
- 500 followers
About Nicolas Deak
I am a forward-thinking Food Science leader with over 25 years of experience driving innovation in product development, process optimization, and strategic execution across B2B, CPG, food service, and retail. My career has been built on a pragmatic approach to problem-solving and a relentless passion for leveraging food science as a catalyst for health, longevity, sustainability, and consumer delight—while delivering measurable top and bottom-line growth.Throughout my journey, I have led cross-functional teams, managed complex projects, and developed strategies that transform ideas into scalable solutions. From pioneering ingredient innovations to optimizing processes for efficiency and sustainability, I thrive at the intersection of science, business, and consumer needs.My mission is clear: to advance the future of food through innovation and leadership. I believe that food is more than nourishment—it’s an opportunity to create impact for people and the planet. If you share this vision or are exploring partnerships that drive meaningful change, let’s connect.
Experience
Director Process Development
Sep 2023 — Present · Bethlehem, PA, US
High impact, strategic projects leadership, focusing in delivering Freshpet Business objectives short, medium and long term> AI Champion: internal AI advocate, driving results adopting and implementing AI solutions> Business processes: developing and implementing business processes to accommodate Freshpet growth and future aspirations > Process Optimization: improving current processes and equipment utilization from data acquisition through efficiencies for throughput, yield, reproducibility and reliability.> Process Development: implementing engineering solutions to existing and new processing lines throughout our Kitchens network. We believe we can help our pets live their longest and happiest lives while also being a force for good.Driven by our passion for protecting pets, people, and the planet, we never stop pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. And while we know we’re not perfect, we do all we can to lessen our environmental impact while giving pets the freshest, healthiest food there is.We strive to always source ingredients as locally as possible, while getting our pets all the nutrition they need. To support farmers who share our values. To reduce the amount of packaging we use while keeping food fresh. To protect the welfare of our four-legged friends with determination and devotion. To do what’s right.
Education
Iowa State University
PhD, Food Science
2001 — 2004
Pontificia Universidad Católica Argentina 'Santa María de los Buenos Aires'
Licentiate degree, Tecnologia de Alimentos
1993 — 1998
Skills
- Food Chemistry
- Management
- Dairy
- Product Development
- Spanish
- Six Sigma Project Management
- Food Microbiology
- Food Processing
- Meat
- Food Industry
- Food Technology
- Process Development
- Science
- Food Service
- Laboratory
- Protein Chemistry
- R&D
- Food Safety
- Analytical Chemistry
- Sensory Evaluation
- Cross-Functional Team Leadership
- Ingredients
- Process Simulation
- English
- People Management
- Food
- Hungarian
- Research
- Commercialization
- Gmp
- Six Sigma
- Food Science
- Chemistry
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