USC Marshall Executive Education, in collaboration with the Western Association of Food Chains (WAFC), has revamped its Food Industry Executive Program (FIEP) for fall 2025.
The four-day offering is designed to equip food industry executives in retail, manufacturing, grocery and supply chain sectors with advanced leadership strategies, market insights and a competitive edge in an evolving industry.
For more than 65 years, USC Marshall Executive Education has been the leading resource for high-potential food industry professionals seeking to strengthen their leadership and strategic expertise.
The FIEP delivers an immersive, real-world-focused curriculum that empowers executives to refine leadership objectives, enhance decision-making and stay ahead of emerging trends.
The enhanced curriculum addresses today’s most pressing food industry challenges and opportunities. Participants will gain exclusive insights from top-tier USC Marshall faculty and industry experts while developing skills in:
- Strategic leadership;
- Industry evolution, disruption and competitive positioning;
- Marketing strategy and data-driven growth;
- Leaders as coaches;
- Leadership, power and influence in the food sector; and
- Executive presence and effective communication.
FIEP is tailored for high-potential managers, directors and executives in food retail, manufacturing and grocery industries looking to elevate their leadership and strategic acumen. Companies that enroll multiple participants benefit from improved cross-functional collaboration and accelerated business performance.
[RELATED: Wakefern’s Stigers Named USC’s 2025 Food Industry Executive Of The Year]
Meet the faculty and industry experts
Participants learn from USC Marshall faculty and industry thought leaders, including:
- Cynthia Alt – adjunct professor of clinical business communication;
- Diane Badame – professor of clinical marketing;
- Shon Hiatt – associate professor of management and organization;
- Gita Govahi – assistant dean of experiential learning and research;
- Abby Fifer Mandell – senior lecturer in entrepreneurship;
- Kyle Mayer – chair and professor of management and organization; and
- Cynthia McCloud – director of food industry programs and adjunct professor of management and organization.
Program details and certification
FIEP is held twice annually, in spring and fall, providing participants with an opportunity to connect with top industry minds. Each session accommodates 40 to 50 participants from food retail and consumer package goods companies, fostering a dynamic and collaborative learning environment.
Graduates of the program receive a USC Marshall certificate of completion and a digital badge, which can be added to online resumes and professional platforms such as LinkedIn to showcase their achievement.
For program details and registration, visit execed.marshall.usc.edu/programs/food-industry-executive-program.