Industry Veteran Stephanie Lopez Announces Departure from AIB International

Industry Veteran Stephanie Lopez Announces Departure from AIB International
VP of Operations, Americas Spent Nearly 17 Years with the Company

Contact: Mark Crouser, [email protected], (816) 582-8839
(Download release: AIB International Industry Vet Stephanie Lopez Departs For Second Career FINAL)

Manhattan, Kan. (Jan. 6, 2021) – Following two successful stretches and nearly 17 total years with AIB International, Stephanie Lopez, Vice President of Operations, Americas, will be departing the company next month. Lopez has chosen to venture outside the food safety industry and take steps toward what she is calling a “second career.” She will continue working with the Operations team and our customers through her last day, which will be Friday, Feb. 5.

“While deciding to pursue a second career has been a difficult decision, I know that now is the right time to challenge myself in pursuing this life goal. I’m departing with confidence that the global AIB International team is up to any future challenges and our customers are in good hands,” said Lopez. “I have such gratitude for the many mentors, colleagues and customers who have afforded me the opportunity to grow, learn, travel and build success these past two decades. Together, we’ve been able to equip our customers with knowledge and support the delivery of safe, high-quality food around the world.”

During her nearly two decades with AIB International, Lopez’ work has been recognized by customers, colleagues and peers, including having authored The AIB GMP and Prerequisites Guide Book; Led the establishment of the wholly owned subsidiary and certification body AIBI-CS and served as its first president; Developed numerous seminars and webinars, while teaching several hundred of them; and Served as SME for the best-selling e-learning courses HACCP Online, and our Food Safety and Sanitation Distance Learning Course. Lopez also served customers around the world, including those in North America, South America, Europe, and Asia.

Within the organization, Jeff Wilson has been promoted from Vice President of Operations, EAA, into the role of Global Vice President of Operations, where he will be absorbing Lopez’ responsibilities. In this Global role, Wilson will help focus the development of key operational initiatives, supporting both our team and customers, wherever they may be located.
“In my almost 20 years with AIB International, Stephanie has been such an incredible resource and mentor to me and countless others across the organization. She and I collaborated on so many different Operations initiatives that we were given the nickname ‘Jeff-anie’ by the team, so I’ll carry fond memories of work together,” said Wilson. “In this new Global role, I’ll be working to take our learnings from 2020 and put them into practice, while also focusing on the continuous improvement of our team and their service to customers. Given the composition of the team we have in the Americas, EMEA, APAC, LATAM and China, I know we are up to the task.”

“For decades, Stephanie’s work has been highly regarded by our customers and team, highlighted by her many positive contributions to the industry. While we know that her leadership will be missed, we’re also proud to support her in pursuing a life goal and trying something completely new,” says Andre Biane, president and CEO of AIB International. “With Jeff now taking on this Global role, we will maintain continuity with the Operations team and customers, while also broadly implementing our strategy for future growth. I look forward to the beneficial impact his efforts will have with our Operations team and how that will translate to even better service quality for our customers around the world.”

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About AIB International
For more than 100 years, AIB International has partnered with our clients to bring the enjoyment of safe, high-quality food to consumers everywhere. Through customized Training, Inspections & Consulting, Regulatory assistance and Certification services, our global team of food safety and quality professionals has grown to service more than 120 countries and is committed to helping food and beverage supply chain companies to apply the highest standards of integrity. Visit www.aibinternational.com for more information.