CJ Foods, a global leader in Korean, Asian and American cuisine, and the food business unit of CJ CheilJedang, has named Dr. Gregory Yep as its new chief executive officer. Previously serving as the Seoul-headquartered company’s executive vice president and chief technical officer, he has more than three decades of leadership in food science, nutrition, and biotechnology across numerous consumer goods and food-related multinational businesses.
Dr. Yep’s appointment marks a pivotal step in CJ’s evolution, bringing a combination of scientific expertise, commercial strategy and visionary leadership to the role. His commitment to science-driven innovation and nutritional excellence will help accelerate CJ’s strategy to become a top-tier global food company. A priority growth region for CJ Foods is the United States, where its affiliate, CJ Schwan’s, manufactures and distributes a wide range of frozen products for the retail grocery and foodservice markets including Red Baron and Big Daddy’s pizza, bibigo Korean-style dumplings (mandu), entrees and fried rice dishes, and Pagoda brand egg rolls, crab rangoon and cream cheese wantons. As Dr. Yep oversees CJ Foods globally, management of the US business at CJ Schwan’s remains unchanged.
“I am honored to lead CJ Foods into a future where nutrition, technology and taste converge to serve consumers around the world,” said the new CEO. “Our mission is to redefine how food fuels life, delivering both cultural authenticity and cutting-edge nutrition to every table.”
Prior to joining CJ Foods in 2023, Dr. Yep served as chief science officer at International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF) and senior vice president of research and development at PepsiCo, where he led breakthroughs in flavor chemistry, metabolism and ingredient innovation. He also directed the Gatorade Sports Science Institute, a premier global center for athlete nutrition and performance research.
