International Food and Beverage Technology Association Adds Industry Leaders as New Board Members

Washington, D.C., January 17, 2025 – The International Food and Beverage Technology Association (IFBTA) announced the newest addition to the association, electing three food and beverage technology executives to the Board of Directors, including the promotion of Zerrick Pearson, Chief Information Officer of Five Guys Enterprises, as its new Chairman. 

 The IFBTA Board of Directors plays a pivotal role in the association, offering valuable insights and guidance on industry trends while shaping the organization’s strategy to strengthen its mission within the global food and beverage industry. Composed of senior leaders from prominent food and beverage companies worldwide, the board is committed to advancing the industry, supporting its workforce and leadership, and fostering the innovations essential for the future of food and beverage technology.

IFBTA new board members include: 

Kevin Bentley, Head of Technology, North America, Jollibee Group of Companies, appointed officially after serving as a 2024 Chapter Chairs Representative 

Ed Kruczek, Chief Technology Officer, Red Robin – Lehigh Valley Restaurant Group 

Michael Verdesca, Chief Information Officer, Murphy USA 

Samuel Stanovich, SVP Franchise Leadership, Big Chicken, 2025 IFBTA Chapter Chairs Representative 

 These board members are joining Vikram Badhwar (Starbucks), Treasurer Ted Orman (Aramark), and Yvette Vincent (Marriott). Exiting board members include Pankaj Patra, past-treasurer Yoo Jin Yi, and past-chairman, Don Zimmerman. 

“I am delighted to have the opportunity to Chair such an incredible organization. I have worked alongside the IFBTA for many years and I am thrilled to continue working on its mission to promote technology within the food and beverage industry,” said Zerrick Pearson, CIO of Five Guys Enterprises. “I believe we have incredible runway ahead of us in promoting technology in the food and beverage industry and I look forward to continuing the work.”

Rob Grimes, IFBTA CEO added, “I look forward to working with the 2025 IFBTA Board and expanding the reach and vision of the IFBTA though our new members.  The IFBTA Board continues to build on the experience and leadership provided to our industry by the outgoing Chair Don Zimmerman, and Treasurer Yoo Jin Yi, and Pankaj Patra.”

The new board members have been elected to serve a 3-year term beginning January 1, 2025 and will continue the tradition of IFBTA’s global industry leadership by representing technology within all segments of the industry.

The International Food and Beverage Technology Association (IFBTA), a nonprofit trade association, promotes the use of technology within the global food and beverage industries with a specific focus on education, certification, standards, research and networking, while aligning with other industry associations and groups in support of their technology related initiatives.