Mike Richmond, Ph.D., PTIS Co-founder

Michael Richmond is a strategic business and technical leader with 25 years of experience across PTIS, GSSI, Kellogg, Kraft, and Michigan State University.

Prior to building PTIS, Mike successfully developed, staffed, and led packaging organizations at both Kellogg and Kraft. At Kellogg, Mike was responsible for developing and implementing start-up departments including Technology Discovery and Global Packaging Innovation. He led and delivered numerous developments, including the patented technology for Kellogg's Drink 'n Crunch one-handed cereal and milk package. During his tenure at Kraft, Mike helped develop superior new packaging, including Breyers rounded rectangular ice cream cartons; easy open/reclosable shredded, sliced, and chunk cheese packaging; microwavable squeeze bottles and aseptic multipack dipping packages for cheese sauces; DiGiorno packaging; and the PET conversion for parmesan cheese.

Mike was instrumental in developing and implementing strategic plans and programs nationally and globally for both Kraft and Kellogg. He led the research and development component of strategic sourcing at both companies, resulting in millions of dollars in savings.

In addition to strong vendor knowledge, Mike has brought new consumer and trade focus to the development of superior solutions to packaging problems globally. He also has considerable expertise in benchmarking and best practices and has used this expertise extensively. Mike has completed executive business programs at both Harvard and Thunderbird and is currently a member of the Board of Directors for Alliance Foods.

Prior to working in industry, Mike was an assistant professor at Michigan State University in the School of Packaging. Mike's Ph.D. in food science and his tenure in packaging have helped him better understand and provide enhanced integrated solutions for product and package systems. 

Mike has numerous achievement awards and commendations and is past head of the Industrial Advisory Committee for the Center for Advanced Food Technology (CAFT) at Rutgers University. He is also an active member of the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) and the Institute of Packaging Professionals (IoPP). Mike continues to support academics through the PTIS Packaging Endowment at Michigan State University and also lectures at both Michigan State University and Western Michigan University in their packaging and food marketing and M.B.A. programs.