After 14 years at the helm of Food Engineering with BNP Media, I have decided to make a career change. It is a bittersweet time for me because I have met and worked with so many wonderful people over the years.

The publishing industry has changed by leaps and bounds since 2002. Back then, we were just developing e-newsletters; had never heard of webinars, mobile apps or social media; and could not imagine the live broadcasting of Food Automation & Manufacturing Conference presentations.

During these past 14 years, I have witnessed the rise of robotics, the growth of advanced automation, the results of sustainability, the gravity of and efforts to achieve food safety, the drive for clean labels, the increasing importance of employee engagement and the impact of the age of transparency.

One thing that hasn’t changed is the dedication of the many food and beverage industry professionals I have come to know and respect, both on the supplier side and the processor side. I particularly want to thank each of the Food Engineering editorial advisory board members for their advice and support with so many aspects of what makes Food Engineering successful.

Finally, I want to thank the superb Food Engineering family of editors, sales reps, freelancer writers, events staff and design and production staff for their hard work, long hours, professionalism, industry insights and dedication to excellence. You make Food Engineering the most respected publication in our industry. Thank you for your unwavering support.

But this is not a goodbye letter. I will be continuing my career in the food and beverage industry, and I look forward to working with many of you in the coming months and years. Thank you for a brilliant experience.