Mike Leonard brings nearly two decades of experience in senior industrial science and technology roles in the specialty food ingredient and fast-moving consumer goods industries, with an emphasis on combining innovation, commercial execution, and organization-wide collaboration to deliver business results across developed and emerging markets. He served as Motif’s Chief Technology Officer from 2019 to 2022, where he developed the company’s technical strategy, built its R&D capabilities and delivered its first products. Prior to joining Motif, Mike served as VP of White Space Innovation and Springboard R&D at Kraft Heinz, where he led product, packaging and process development strategy and execution for emerging growth platforms across all categories of the business. Previously, he was VP of Process Technology for Global Snacks R&D at PepsiCo, in addition to serving in leadership roles at DuPont Nutrition & Health and International Flavors & Fragrances in process and protein ingredient research, business development and strategy. He holds a PhD in Polymer Science & Engineering from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, and a BS in Chemistry from Roanoke College. He is a member of the Motif Board of Directors.

Saloni Varma brings 20+ years of diverse experience in strategic and operational finance to her role at Motif and currently also serves as the Chair of the Audit committee at Thorne Healthtech. She was formerly the CFO of ByHeart and prior to that she held leadership roles at various purpose-driven brands like Chobani, Dove, and Talenti, focusing on budgeting, forecasting, and execution on strategic opportunities. Saloni has also worked in investment banking in New York and Tokyo at UBS and began her career in accounting at KPMG in India. Saloni has a Masters in Finance and Entrepreneurial Management from The Wharton School, a Masters of Accounting from University of Mumbai and is a Chartered Accountant from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India.

Formerly Executive Vice President for Science and regulatory affairs at CropLife America, Dr. Collins, brings over 30 years of experience in food and biotechnology regulation to Motif FoodWorks. Prior to CropLife America, Dr. Collins was Director of Corporate Regulatory affairs at DuPont, and the Director of Global Advocacy and International Organizations at Monsanto. As the former President of the Institute of Food Technologists, Dr. Collins is a recognized leader in agricultural advocacy and regulatory affairs with a deep understanding of the U.S. meat and dairy industries.