The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) has announced that Margeret “Peggy” Poole, PhD, has become the organization’s 86th president.

Poole has more than four decades of leadership experience in the food industry, and has been an active IFT member for 45 years, serving on IFT’s board of directors for the past four years. She also served on IFT’s chief research officers council, as a judge for the IFT Student Association College Bowl and as a reviewer for the Feeding Tomorrow Fund’s Dr. Elwood F. Caldwell Graduate Fellowship. She succeeds Christopher Daubert, PhD, vice chancellor and dean of the University of Missouri’s College of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources.

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.”

“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. “I’m also thrilled to welcome Gunnar Sigge into the President-Elect role and know his global perspective will be invaluable as we work to support the future of the food system.”

Gunnar Sigge, PhD, currently serves as an associate professor and head of the department of food science at Stellenbosch University in South Africa, where he was integral in establishing the university’s masters in food and nutrition security program.

He served on IFT’s board of directors from 2021-2024, and served on the divisions champions team, the inclusive systems review task team, the internal division leadership team, and the IFT strategic retreat.

He has actively led the South African Association for Food Science and Technology (SAAFoST) since 1997, and served as SAAFoST’s 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,” said Sigge. “I look forward to helping lead this incredible community as President-Elect and working together to create a better food future for everyone.”