Peggy Poole Named IFT Board President, Gunnar Sigge Named President-Elect

CHICAGO – The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), a nonprofit scientific organization committed to advancing the science of food and its application across the global food system, announced that longtime member and food industry leader Margaret (Peggy) Poole, Ph.D., became IFT’s 86th president on Sept. 1.

With more than four decades of leadership across the global food industry and 45 years of active IFT membership, Poole brings deep expertise and passion for advancing the science of food, the organization said. She succeeds Christopher Daubert, Ph.D., vice chancellor and dean of the University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR).

Poole has held leadership roles in R&D, regulatory affairs and quality assurance at companies including Kraft Foods, Häagen-Dazs, Leprino Foods and Bigelow Tea Company, where she most recently served as vice president of the tea division.

Poole serves as a member of the external advisory boards for Rutgers University and the University of Massachusetts Department of Food Science. She has served on the Penn State Creamery Advisory Board, was a member of the Biosecurity Task Force for the International Dairy Foods Association and was a founding member of the Food Safety Operating Committee at the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy.

“Stepping into the role of IFT president is a true honor,” said Poole. “I understand there are challenges and opportunities facing the global food system, and I’m ready to help guide IFT through them. This is a pivotal moment for our community, and I’m excited to lead with clarity, courage, and a focus on advancing food science.”

Poole has served on the IFT Board of Directors for four years. She has also served on the Chief Research Officers Council, as a judge for the IFT Student Association (IFTSA) College Bowl and as a reviewer for the Feeding Tomorrow Fund's Dr. Elwood F. Caldwell Graduate Fellowship.

“Peggy’s depth of expertise, combined with her decades of leadership, have uniquely prepared her to lead IFT. Her passion for mentorship and dedication to our mission will inspire our members and strengthen our impact,” said IFT CEO Christie Tarantino-Dean.

IFT Names Gunnar Sigge President-Elect.

IFT announced that Gunnar Sigge, Ph.D., associate professor and head of the Department of Food Science at Stellenbosch University, South Africa, will serve as IFT president-elect.

"I know his global perspective will be invaluable as we work to support the future of the food system," Tarantino-Dean said.

Sigge was integral to the establishment of the Stellenbosch University master’s in food and nutrition security program. He served on the IFT board of directors from 2021-2024. He has also served on the Divisions Champions Team, the Inclusive Systems Review Task Team, the International Division leadership team and the IFT Strategic Retreat.

He has been an active leader in the South African Association for Food Science and Technology (SAAFoST) since 1997, including serving as president from 2010-2013.

“Being based in South Africa, I see firsthand how IFT's reach and influence are truly global — connecting experts, fostering innovation and addressing shared challenges that impact us all,” Sigge said. “I look forward to helping lead this incredible community as President-Elect and working together to create a better food future for everyone.”