How The Chief Innovation Officer Is Shaping The Food And Drink Industry

High fat, salt and sugar (HFSS) regulations and the expanding availability of GLP-1 medications - which regulate blood sugar to help type 2 diabetes and obesity - are becoming increasingly powerful drivers for food manufacturers, ingredient suppliers, and retailers to invest substantially in R&D and innovation in order to supply great tasting, nutrient-dense products to market.

This, together with the many commercial headwinds and uncertainties globally, including geopolitics, supply chain costs, manufacturing challenges, sharper investment focus, consumer behaviour, government regulations and levies, the demands for innovation leadership in the sector is unprecedented.

It is therefore no surprise that many organisations are reconsidering the Chief Innovation Officer role.

The Broadening of R&D and Innovation

As a concept, the scope of innovation and R&D has grown seismically over recent years.

Innovation today goes far beyond the product itself. It spans packaging, manufacturing, processes, marketing, ESG and even digital transformation and business model reinvention reflecting how attuned consumers have become.

The breadth of the remit of innovation leaders today is broader than it has ever been, prompting many organisations to rethink the role, expanding its scope, adding new functions, or elevating it to board level. 

Growing Demand for Chief Innovation Officers 

Our recent conversations within sports nutrition, ingredients, and snacks businesses all point to the same trend: companies are actively searching for new Chief Innovation or R&D Officers. Businesses no longer have the luxury of standing still; 2026 is thought to be a pivotal moment for change in the industry.

The role now demands leaders who are not only scientifically credible but also commercially savvy, able to bridge science, technology, and market delivery. In a sector where challenges are mounting, this function is critical. It is leadership through uncertainty, and it can make or break an organisation’s success.

As the sector continues to face into low business confidence, persistent inflationary and cost pressures as well as regulatory burden. As a result, many companies are viewing the upcoming changes as a springboard to innovate themselves out of these difficult market conditions by delivering on consumers evolving needs.

Competition from private label and more cost-effective alternatives is fierce, while consumers demand healthier choices. Margins are tight, product cycles short, and speed is critical. 

Odgers has a long track record of successful senior innovation and R&D leadership appointments spanning food and drink and well as wider consumer health, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, industrial, environmental, agriculture and agritech.

Source Of Talent And Leadership Considerations

Over the past few years, the pharma industry has sought to attract talent back from smaller biotechs, as many left the larger organisations for flatter environments where they could push innovation to market faster. Mid-sized firms, on the other hand, are seen as agile and innovative. Food and drink remain behind this curve but, as velocity is ever more important, this is shifting. 

Necessary Leadership Traits

Appointing a Chief Innovation Officer, particularly in multi-brand/category businesses, requires a rich mix of attributes. Sitting at executive level, they must be commercial and strategic, a strong executive who can lead and restructure multidisciplinary teams, work with external partners, and deliver products that are both commercially viable and aligned with consumer needs. Beyond that, the entire supply chain and operations must support bottom-line results.

Executives with experience in other markets of the world, who understand leading, developing global capability, and managing investment needs to secure growth and drive value are essential attributes for an impactful Chief Innovation Officer.

Odgers works across the full spectrum, from smaller start-ups to the largest corporations, partnering with CEOs and boards in order to shape R&D and innovation leadership. Whether it’s building global functions, advising on insourcing or outsourcing, or aligning teams for commercial success, our cross-functional teams bring extensive expertise and a truly global network.

In the current market where collaboration and fresh perspectives are now more important than ever, we can help identify and develop the right leaders who can deliver innovation that drives long-term results.

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Get in touch. Follow the links below to learn more, or connect directly with our dedicated executive search experts and Consumer leadership consultants at your local Odgers office here.