Chobani adds former Obama advisor to its nutrition, regulatory affairs team

Robert Post

Norwich, N.Y.-based Chobani announced a significant addition to its nutrition and regulatory affairs leadership team today with the appointment of Dr. Robert C. Post as senior director for nutrition and regulatory affairs, helping drive the company’s mission of providing better food for more people.

A leader in nutrition and food policy with more than 30 years of experience, Dr. Post served as a nutrition advisor to First Lady Michelle Obama and collaborator on the White House Let’s Move! initiative, as well as the acting executive director for USDA’s Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, where he directed the evolution of the food pyramid to the next generation MyPlate initiative. Most recently, he served as chief science officer for FoodMinds, a food and nutrition consulting and communications agency, where he advised major food companies on changes in the nutritional affairs environment.

Dr. Post joins an expert team of nutritionists and food scientists headed by Dr. Alejandro Mazzotta, vice president of global quality, food safety and regulatory affairs, who brought to the team two decades of leadership at global packaged goods companies. Dr. Post will be responsible for driving Chobani’s nutrition strategies around the brand’s current and future offerings, and will help the company navigate critical nutrition issues with sound nutrition science and expert communication. He will report to Dr. Mazzotta and will work closely with Peter McGuinness, Chobani’s chief marketing and brand officer.

Chobani’s Greek yogurt with fruit on the bottom has 40% less sugar than regular yogurt with fruit, according to the company. As part of Chobani’s mission to lead with nutrition and provide better food for more people, the company recently announced significant portfolio expansions beyond just breakfast. Read about that here: Chobani adds new Greek yogurt products for occasions “beyond breakfast.”

The company’s participation as the Greek yogurt supplier in the USDA’s pilot school lunch program also continues its commitment to provide better food for more kids. Chobani was originally selected by the USDA for the pilot school lunch program in 2013, and also part of its recent expansion from four original states to 12 total, with additions such as California, Connecticut, and Mississippi.