Ricardo holds a PhD in grain science & industry from Kansas State University (USA), a master's degree in food technology from Universidade Estadual de Campinas (Brazil), and a bachelor's degree in food engineering from Universidade Federal de Vicosa (Brazil). With over seventeen years of experience in the food industry, Ricardo has worked in both human food (Nestle and Southeastern Mills) and pet food (Hill's Pet Nutrition and Instinct). He has expertise in extruding food, including ingredient/product/process development, production line commissioning/support, and serving B2B and B2C markets. Ricardo's experience spans local and global markets. Since joining Nestle, he has focused on the global development, implementation, and support of the Plant-Based Meals Solution platform.