Tracey Ziener is Rich’s Executive Vice President (EVP), Chief Research & Development (R&D) & Food Safety, Quality Assurance and Regulatory (FSQAR) Officer. A strategic R&D leader, Tracey specializes in the development and delivery of pipelines of new products, packaging and technology programs though agile innovation and FSQAR processes, while growing and building highly competent, capable and engaged teams.
Tracey joined Rich’s in 2023 after a long career at Mars Inc. where she worked across a variety of categories, including Confectionery, Gum, Petcare and Food. She brings extensive global experience to Rich’s, having worked and lived across the Mars Network in Europe, the Middle East, Canada and the U.S. Throughout her career, Tracey has worked in all areas of R&D, designing, installing and commissioning new production processes and factories around the world. Many innovations that Tracey launched can be found on shelves globally today.
Tracey has a passion for the development of women, girls and overall diversity in STEM. She has worked globally with universities and schools to encourage students to see STEM as an opportunity space to grow, learn and develop a career. A personal highlight for Tracey was helping several female students attend the University of Dubai and then seeing them empower others to follow in their footsteps.
Originally from Glasgow in Scotland, Tracey earned a PhD in Chemistry from Napier University Edinburgh and a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Heriot Watt University Edinburgh. Tracey has also completed several business programs at Harvard, including the most recent “Leading in Unprecedent times.” Tracey is a Chartered Member of the Royal Society of Chemistry, Chartered Chemist, Chartered Scientist, and has several publications and six patents.
Tracey and her husband Stuart have two children, Alistair (24) and James (22). They love traveling the world together and spending time as a family. Tracey enjoys staying in shape through weight training, hiking and swimming. She also loves working with her husband to renovate their 1920s home and garden.
