• Kathy Usic has been appointed as research & development life sciences assoc. manager at PepsiCo Australia and New Zealand. Image: PepsiCo ANZ
    Kathy Usic has been appointed as research & development life sciences assoc. manager at PepsiCo Australia and New Zealand. Image: PepsiCo ANZ
Close×

PepsiCo ANZ has announced the appointment of Kathy Usic as research and development life sciences associate manager. This follows the launch of PepsiCo’s healthy snack ambition, which aims to see 30 percent of its snack range achieve a Health Star Rating of 3.5 or above by 2030.

With over 35 years of experience in the FMCG and health sectors, alongside extensive work for non-for-profit organisations including Diabetes Australia and the Healthy Kids Association, Usic will advise the business on how it can continue to lead the way in bringing more options to consumers by bringing healthier options to market and reformulating market-leading brands such as Doritos, Red Rock Deli and Smith’s.

PepsiCo ANZ CEO Kyle Faulconer said Usic was a deeply accomplished health and nutrition professional and business leader.

“Her values as a professional are truly aligned to our commitment to PepsiCo Positive – putting sustainability at the centre of how we source ingredients, make and sell products and inspire consumers to make better choices for themselves and the planet,” said Falconer.

Prior to joining PepsiCo, Kathy held the roles of CEO and head of program development within the Glycemic Index Foundation (GIF), responsible for managing core internal operations, developing relationships with key partners, and growing awareness for GIF’s activities. Usic’s previous experience includes leading nutritional roles at George Weston Foods, Campbell Arnott’s and Goodman Fielder, alongside work for the NSW School Canteen Association.

Usic commenced her role at PepsiCo Australia and New Zealand last week and will be based in Sydney.

Packaging News

Sustainable packaging achievements were recognised at the APCO Annual Awards in Sydney last night. The event celebrated organisations, and individuals, driving change towards the 2025 National Packaging Targets and beyond. PKN was there.

Adamantem Capital is bidding to acquire Close the Loop Group. The board has recommended the offer, and is realigning itself, with CEO Joe Foster stepping down from the board, as are the chairman and CFO. Foster will become chief operating officer at the company.

In one of the biggest deals ever undertaken by an ASX-listed business, Amcor is acquiring US-based Berry Group in an all-stock merger, in a move that will create a consumer and healthcare packaging business with 400 operating plants around the world.