(BRK.A), (BRK.B)
International Dairy Queen, Inc. (IDQ), a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, made a significant announcement today with the appointment of Jane Friedrich as the Executive Vice President of Research and Development.
In her new role, Friedrich will report directly to the President and CEO, tasked with shaping the strategic direction and spearheading a team dedicated to crafting ingredients and menu offerings that captivate customers. Moreover, she will oversee the critical domains of food safety, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance.
The scope of Friedrich’s responsibilities extends globally, covering more than 7,500 Dairy Queen (DQ) restaurants across 20 countries. This move underlines IDQ’s commitment to continuous innovation and delivering unparalleled culinary experiences to its diverse customer base.
Troy Bader, President and CEO of International Dairy Queen, expressed confidence in Friedrich’s ability to drive the company’s growth trajectory. He emphasized the pivotal role of research and development in fostering customer engagement and sustaining brand loyalty. Bader commended Friedrich’s extensive experience in the field, highlighting her proven track record in product innovation and commitment to upholding the highest standards of food safety and quality.
In response to her appointment, Jane Friedrich conveyed her enthusiasm for joining IDQ during this pivotal phase of expansion. With a focus on delivering tangible business outcomes and fostering high-performing teams, Friedrich expressed her dedication to pushing the boundaries of product innovation. She emphasized the importance of catering to evolving consumer preferences by delivering flavors that resonate with global tastes.
Before joining IDQ, Friedrich accumulated over two decades of invaluable experience at Cargill, where she held various leadership roles spanning research, development, and innovation across multiple food categories. Her academic credentials include doctoral and master’s degrees in food science from Cornell University, along with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of St. Thomas. Friedrich’s commitment to excellence is further reflected in her publication record, patent portfolio, and her role as the executive chair of the Food Fortification Initiative executive management team.
© 2024 David Mazor
Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell a stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.