Plano, Texas-based Keurig Dr Pepper has appointed Debra Sandler to the company’s board of directors.
Sandler has spent nearly 35 years in the consumer and healthcare industries, with experience that spans executive leadership roles at leading global companies as well as start-ups. She is currently the founder and CEO of Mavis Foods and, prior to that, she was at Mars Inc., holding several executive positions including chief consumer officer, president of Mars Chocolate North America and chief health and well-being officer.
Prior to Mars, Sandler was with Johnson & Johnson, most recently as worldwide president of McNeil Nutritionals LLC, a fully integrated business unit within J&J, and also led the J&J Women’s Leadership Initiative as co-chairperson during her 10-year tenure with the firm. Sandler began her career in 1985 with PepsiCo, where she served for 13 years in a variety of marketing positions of increasing responsibility.
Sandler is a much sought-after speaker on health and well-being, diversity and inclusion and business development within the broader CPG industry. She is currently a member of the board of directors at Archer Daniels Midland Inc., Dollar General Corp. and Gannett Co. Sandler is also a member of the board of advisors for Pharmavite LLC, a wholly owned subsidy of Otsuka Pharmaceuticals, and serves as a trustee for her alma mater, Hofstra University.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in international business from Hofstra University, an MBA from New York University’s Stern School of Business and an honorary PhD from the Long Island University School of Pharmacy.
“We are pleased to welcome Debra as the newest member of our board. She is a highly-accomplished executive, and her broad experience and perspective make her a valuable addition to KDP. I look forward to her partnership on our Board,” said KDP Chairman and CEO Bob Gamgort.
