Bill Theis

About Bill Theis

I build high-performance organizations and systems that unite operations, quality, and innovation.As a senior executive with more than 30 years leading multi-site manufacturing and laboratory networks, I bring a unique combination of operational discipline and technical depth in food safety, quality, and R&D. My experience spans global CPGs, private-equity-backed growth companies, and consulting services — all focused on integrating complex systems, reducing variability, and strengthening client confidence. I’m passionate about driving innovation and commercialization excellence, ensuring that safety, quality, and speed-to-market coexist.Known for building cultures of accountability and continuous improvement, I connect technical rigor with operational results — delivering systems that scale, data that endures, and teams that perform.Core Focus Areas:• Multi-Site Operations & Integration • FSQA & Regulatory Governance • R&D / Commercialization Leadership • Continuous Improvement & Performance Culture • Private Equity Transformation & M&A Integration High integrity, low-ego and collaborative Strong analytical/ strategic planning skills with exceptional interpersonal qualities enabling productive relationships and cross-functional teamwork Identify and mitigate business risks, implement preventive actionsIndustries: Shelf-Stable, Frozen, Refrigerated, Beverages, Nut Butters, Fats & Oils, RTD & Concentrate, Juice, Coffee & Tea, Meal Kits, Sandwiches, Raw, Fully Cooked, RTE, Animal & Plant Proteins, Yogurt, Cheese, Dips, Sauces & Dressings, Co-Manufacturing, Secondary Packaging, Logistics.Core Strengths: Responsibility – Accountable for successes and failures with an intense desire to “make it right.” Relator – Develop professional relationships through shared experiences, challenges, and successes Connectedness – Ensure my teams are part of something bigger in the organization/ industry/ world Learner – Always learning. Also a strong teacher, mentor and coach Belief – Family-oriented, spiritual, and value high ethicsSkills:Global Multi Plant Operations, Chemical Engineering, Laboratory Operations, QA, R&D, Labeling & Nutrition, FDA, USDA, Crisis Management, Strategy Development, High Performance Work Systems, Project Management, Lean & 6-Sigma, Acquisitions, Integrations, Cross Functional Leadership, Culture Development, DEI & B, Coaching, Mentoring, People Development, Problem Solving, Auditing, Statistical Process Control

Experience

1. Vice President Food Safety & Quality

   CookUnity

   Feb 2026 — Present · New York, NY, US

   Lead enterprise-wide food safety, quality, and regulatory strategy across a fast-growing, technology-enabled food platform. Responsible for building scalable FSQA systems that enable rapid marketplace expansion while protecting brand trust, customer safety, and regulatory compliance.Drive preventive controls, supplier quality, and operational excellence across commissaries and partner kitchens. Partner closely with Operations, Culinary, Supply Chain, Product, and Technology to embed food safety into innovation, retention, and growth initiatives.Key focus areas include HACCP/PCQI leadership, regulatory readiness, supplier governance, continuous improvement, and development of high-performing quality teams. Champion a culture of accountability, data-driven decision-making, and continuous improvement in a high-velocity environment.

Education

• University of Cincinnati

  Bachelor of Science, Chemical Engineering

Skills

• Team Leadership
• Change Management
• Quality Management
• Strategy
• R&D
• Iso
• Business Process Improvement
• Fda
• Food Processing
• Continuous Improvement
• Process Engineering
• Iso Standards
• Organizational Development
• Supply Chain Management
• Spc
• Quality Control
• Gmp
• Quality Assurance
• Food
• Lean Manufacturing
• Cross-Functional Team Leadership
• Food Industry
• Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (Fmcg)
• Food Packaging
• Product Development
• Supply Chain
• Sqf
• Technical Leadership
• Root Cause Analysis
• Sensory Evaluation
• Food Safety
• Food Security
• Strategic Planning
• Six Sigma
• Food Science
• Quality Auditing
• Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (Haccp)
• Consumer Products
• 5s
• U.s. Food and Drug Administration (Fda)