CJ Foods, the global food business unit of CJ CheilJedang, has appointed seasoned R&D leader Adam Ricciardone as its new Global Chief Technology Officer (CTO), strengthening the company’s leadership team as it continues to scale its international operations and innovation capabilities.
With more than three decades of experience across the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) and consumer health sectors, Ricciardone brings extensive expertise in managing large-scale research and development programs across Asia-Pacific, North America, and Europe. His appointment reflects CJ Foods’ growing focus on building a more integrated, technology-driven, and globally competitive product development organization.
In his new role, Ricciardone will lead CJ Foods’ global technology and innovation agenda, with a strong emphasis on supporting the expansion of the company’s flagship bibigo brand and its portfolio of Global Strategic Products (GSP). He will be responsible for shaping a long-term R&D roadmap aligned with emerging food industry trends, strengthening the company’s differentiated technology platforms, and fostering closer collaboration among regional R&D teams.
A key part of his mandate will be establishing cross-regional systems that enable knowledge sharing, faster product development, and stronger operational synergies across CJ Foods’ international network. By aligning technical innovation with commercial priorities, the company aims to enhance speed-to-market and improve long-term competitiveness in key global markets.
Commenting on the appointment, Dr. Gregory Yep, Global CEO of CJ Foods, highlighted the strategic importance of Ricciardone’s leadership as the company expands its global footprint.
“Adam’s extensive experience in translating R&D excellence into business results will be critical as we continue strengthening our global innovation capabilities,” said Yep. “With the bibigo brand gaining momentum worldwide, his leadership will help us build a world-class R&D organization that supports sustainable growth.”
Before joining CJ Foods, Ricciardone served as Global Head of R&D for Skin Health and Beauty at Kenvue, where he led enterprise-wide innovation initiatives and improved business profitability. During his tenure, he introduced cross-functional collaboration frameworks and streamlined development processes, significantly reducing product launch timelines and realigning technology investments with commercial priorities.
Earlier in his career, Ricciardone spent nearly 30 years at Johnson & Johnson, including serving as Head of R&D for Consumer Health in the Asia-Pacific region. His long tenure at the healthcare and consumer products giant provided him with deep experience in managing complex global operations and scaling innovation across diverse markets.
Academically, Ricciardone holds a Master of Business and Technology and a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Chemistry from The University of New South Wales, combining technical expertise with business leadership credentials.
Speaking on his appointment, Ricciardone expressed enthusiasm for joining CJ Foods at a pivotal stage of its growth.
“CJ Foods has developed a strong foundation built on quality, innovation, and customer focus,” he said. “I look forward to working closely with teams across regions to deepen our technology capabilities and support the company’s long-term global ambitions.”
Strengthening CJ Foods’ Global Innovation Strategy
CJ Foods, the largest food company in South Korea for decades, has steadily expanded into international markets through its well-known bibigo brand. The company offers a wide range of Korean food products, including Mandu (dumplings), sauces, kimchi, seaweed snacks, rice products, and street food-inspired offerings.
Operating across South Korea, the United States (through CJ Schwan’s), Japan, China, Southeast Asia, Europe, and Oceania, CJ Foods continues to invest in product innovation, supply chain modernization, and digital capabilities to support its global operations.
The appointment of Ricciardone signals the company’s commitment to strengthening its R&D ecosystem as competition in the global packaged food and convenience food sectors intensifies. By integrating advanced research capabilities with regional market insights, CJ Foods aims to deliver differentiated products that meet evolving consumer preferences worldwide.
As global demand for Asian and Korean cuisine continues to grow, CJ Foods’ renewed focus on technology-led innovation under Ricciardone’s leadership is expected to play a central role in sustaining the company’s international momentum.