Eric joined the Ingredients Plus Senior Leadership Team in June 2024. He is responsible for the evaluation, planning and execution of major strategic initiatives such as acquisitions, partnerships, capital projects and business integrations. Eric has 7 years of experience in the sugar industry at ASR Group, primarily focused on the analysis & execution of growth-oriented investments and critical capital projects. In addition, he was part of ASR Group’s inaugural Commercial Development Program where he contributed to a broad range of progressively challenging assignments while rotating through Corporate Development, FP&A, and raw sugar trading. Prior to joining ASR Group, Eric’s experience was in the hospitality industry as a General Manager and Consultant for a variety of food service establishments.
 
Eric received a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Baruch College and an MBA from New York University. He is also a CFA® charterholder.

Kyle Whitford serves as Senior Vice President of Commercial for Ingredients Plus where he leads, guides, and directs all customer engagement and customer experience strategies for the organization. Kyle’s career spans over 10 years’ in the ingredients and sweeteners industry, driving procurement and sales strategies for the company.  He began his career with Ingredients Plus in February 2010 as a sales representative where he quickly became immersed into all aspects of the business. He was promoted to Vice President of Sales in August 2018 where he oversaw all commodity purchasing, sales, and customer service. Kyle has executed on several company initiatives over the past 10 years including expansion of the organization’s core products and new customer programs including sugar packets, Fair Trade products, specialty sweeteners, and organic offerings. Most recently, Kyle has assisted in co-leading several organizational growth initiatives including the acquisition integration, short line railroad expansion, and the identification and commissioning of a second production facility servicing the Mid-Atlantic region. Kyle holds his undergraduate degree in Marketing from Saint John Fisher College.

Victor Pacheco joined Ingredients Plus in May 2023, assuming the role of Senior Vice President of Operations and Logistics. In this role, Victor is responsible spearheading the company's operational strategies, spanning the entire spectrum from supply chain management to production operations, logistics, and customer delivery. By prioritizing outstanding customer care as our guiding mission, Victor ensures that Ingredients Plus delivers exceptional service and quality ingredients to our valued customers each day, every day. With a career spanning over 15 years, Victor possesses a wealth of knowledge in managing complex global supply chain operations, multi-site production operations, and driving high-impact continuous improvement initiatives. Prior to joining Ingredients Plus, he achieved considerable success at Bunge, a global leader specializing in edible oils and milled grain ingredients. During his tenure at Bunge, Victor held various key positions, including Plant Manager and Director of Continuous Improvement.

Victor holds an MBA from Missouri Baptist University, augmenting his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and International Relations from Southern Illinois University. Furthermore, his dedication to excellence is evident through his Six-Sigma Blackbelt certification, fluency in three languages, and status as a DDI Certified trainer.

Kara Roth assumed the position of Director of Human Resources at Ingredients Plus in January 2023. In this capacity, Kara orchestrates the alignment of talent with organizational objectives while fostering a cohesive culture across all business sectors. Responsible for overseeing all facets of human resources, Kara leads initiatives encompassing benefits administration, payroll management, regulatory compliance, talent acquisition, employee relations, and strategic workforce planning. Moreover, she spearheads branding endeavors aimed at enhancing the company's market presence.
 
With a career spanning over two decades, Kara has held pivotal roles in branding, marketing, business development, organizational development, and human resources, endowing her with a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between internal dynamics and external brand perception. Prior to her tenure at Ingredients Plus, Kara made significant contributions as the Director of Strategic Staffing at Lewis Services, a prominent national vegetation management firm. During her tenure, she established a pioneering Second Chance program in collaboration with the South Carolina Department of Corrections, facilitating the reintegration of inmates into society.
 
Kara earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Communications from Syracuse University and holds a Leadership Coaching Certification from the University of Rochester Warner School. Additionally, she is a certified facilitator in DiSC and Myers Briggs methodologies. Passionate about community engagement, Kara dedicates her time to volunteer work, notably serving on the Board of Directors for the Urban League of Rochester.