A senior executive with extensive international operations and consumer marketing expertise, Therese Gearhart brings decades of leadership in the Food Industry to her role as President & CEO of WFF. She launched her early career in foodservice and hospitality and advanced to senior leadership with a record of unlocking business performance as an inclusive and authentic leader.
As a 20-year veteran of The Coca-Cola Company, Therese led multi-billion-dollar P&Ls in Latin America and Southern Africa and spent six years working within the North America Foodservice business. She has inspired operational and organizational change across borders and cultures, consistently creating value and driving growth in challenging environments.
Throughout her career, Therese has been a strong role model and staunch advocate for women’s advancement and the role of gender equity in driving business performance. She co-chaired and was a member of Coca-Cola’s Global Women’s Leadership Council advising The Company Executive Committee on strategies to accelerate the advancement of women in leadership. She has been a long-time member of WFF and previously served on the Board of Directors.
She has also served on the boards of affiliated Coca-Cola companies and influential industry groups and is a sought-after speaker on business strategy, inclusion and female entrepreneurship.
A fearless and optimistic leader, Therese has a reputation for creating effective teams and inclusive cultures by gaining trust and collaboration with key stakeholders. She has a passion for mentoring women leaders and embraces the opportunity to advance gender diversity and equality across the Food Industry through WFF and its Partner companies.
As President & CEO, Therese sees WFF as a daily source of inspiration, connection and learning that supports women’s holistic development and helps Partner companies create sustainable traction around gender equity with unique insights, proven solutions and shared knowledge.
Therese embodies WFF’s passion for advancing women and leads the organization into an exciting chapter of growth and increased impact.