Paul Panza serves as Chief Commercial Officer at Ajinomoto Foods North America, where he leads the company’s commercial strategy across both retail and foodservice, driving growth, brand development, and customer partnerships.

With more than 20 years of experience in the food industry, Paul has held leadership roles across sales and marketing at global FMCG organizations. He previously served as Senior Vice President, Head of the Consumer Packaged Goods Strategic Business Unit at AFNA, where he led the company’s $1 billion retail business, including brands such as AJINOMOTO®, Ling Ling®, Tai Pei®, and José Olé®.

Prior to his career in food, Paul worked as a CPA in KPMG’s audit practice in Los Angeles.

He holds an MBA from the UCLA Anderson School of Management and a bachelor’s degree in business and accounting from California State University, Northridge.

Paul plays an avid part in the fight against hunger and is a volunteer at Food Share, addressing food insecurity where he resides in Ventura County, California with his wife and three children.