US-based beverage company Keurig Dr Pepper recently appointed University of Pretoria (UP) alumnus Rolf von Ascheraden as the new Vice-President responsible for Ireland Research and Development (R&D).

“When I found out about the appointment, I felt a great sense of pride; it acknowledged a long, distinguished career in fast-moving consumer goods,” Von Ascheraden says. “I am super excited and energised to help Keurig Dr Pepper drive the beverage innovation, productivity and sustainability growth agenda forward.”

Keurig Dr Pepper is a leading beverage company in North America, and has a portfolio of more than 125 owned, licensed and partner brands.

Von Ascheraden, who hails from Windhoek, Namibia, will serve as the Head of Ireland R&D, and will lead the strategic direction, development and execution of Keurig Dr Pepper’s business, leading the beverage R&D concentrate function. He says his key goals this year include settling seamlessly into his new role, delivering Innovation and productivity near wins whilst building new connections and strong networks in the organisation.

“In this role, I will lead the Ireland R&D organisation by driving innovation, productivity and supply chain effectiveness for our concentrate business and operations,” he says. “I aim to help the company exceed its innovation growth targets and objectives, and be a servant leader to my team and a trusted business partner to all our stakeholders both in Ireland and in the US.”

Prior to joining Keurig Dr Pepper and moving abroad, Von Ascheraden worked on the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research’s Foodtek team as a research assistant, before taking on roles as R&D and technical manager with Foodcorp, Tiger Brands and Simba (Frito-Lay). In 2011, he embarked on an overseas assignment with PepsiCo, working as an R&D Director in Dubai. In 2015, he moved to Ireland, where he’s had three different senior R&D roles at PepsiCo Beverages. Most recently he was Head of R&D for Ornua Coop, an Irish diary company headquartered in Dublin.

Von Ascheraden, who obtained a BScHons (Agric) in Food Science in 1991 and an MSc (Agric) in Food Science and Technology cum laude in 1998 from UP, says while studying, he was mentored by the best lecturers and staff in UP’s Food Science Department (now the Department of Consumer and Food Sciences).

“UP’s curriculum provided me with a great academic foundation and a competitive advantage at the beginning of my career,” Von Ascheraden says. “Besides obtaining a strong academic qualification, I learnt valuable life skills such as resilience and agility, as well as written and verbal presentation and communication skills. I also made industry connections. These vital competencies set me up for success within the fast-moving consumer goods food innovation space.”

As an alumnus, Von Ascheraden believes that UP graduates should serve as sources of up-to-date information, knowledge and experience.

“In a world that is changing quickly – even change is changing – having a strong connection to the world of work is vital to remain relevant. UP delivers bespoke tertiary education that provides students and graduates with a strong foundation to be successful in their careers.” 

As for cherished memories of his student days at UP, he recalls leisurely Friday afternoon student lunches at Oom Gert se Plek.

“Our favourite was a Russian and chips! I enjoyed spring, when the jacaranda trees were in full bloom; the many social activities, parties and great fun we had at the annual Jool student events; and the crazy music concerts on Tukkies sports grounds!”