With nearly 30 years of technology experience at IFF and legacy organizations, Dan Staerk’s career began as a research chemist at the DuPont Experimental Station in Wilmington, DE. He then began biotech research in Des Moines, IA with the Optimum JV and Pioneer Seeds, before spending 25 years in St. Louis, MO affiliated with the soy protein business. His background spans product quality, industrial research, development, and applications roles, encompassing both functional leadership and project & portfolio management. Additionally, Dan has significant experience in business development from his tenure with the Solae JV. He also played a pivotal role in several corporate integration efforts across FMC/Dow/DuPont into IFF.
Throughout his career, Dan has amassed expertise in agriculture & biotechnology, ingredients research, food & beverage applications, and analytical technology. As recently-named global Vice President of Research, Development & Innovation for IFF’s Food Ingredients business unit, Dan and his team focus on driving value through innovation across our Food Ingredients products and applications.
Dan has a Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from Texas A&M University, and a Master’s in International Business from Saint Louis University. Dan has recently wrapped up his long-term site leadership role in St. Louis and relocated to the IFF campus in Brabrand, Denmark.