
Jana Gessner

Profile
About the Speaker: Jana M. Gessner is the Global VP of Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) at PepsiCo, where she has been a driving force behind the company’s sustainability initiatives and workplace safety enhancements. With over 25 years of experience, she is a seasoned EHS executive with a diverse background in manufacturing and supply chain management, having held leadership roles in automotive, consumer packaged goods (CPG), fleet/logistics, industrial materials, chemical manufacturing, and supply chain sectors. Her expertise lies in the development and deployment of global EHS management systems, strategic EHS processes, cultural transformation, compliance assurance, and the creation of a zero-incident culture. Her focus on aligning business objectives with sustainability goals has significantly reduced PepsiCo’s environmental impact while enhancing its reputation as a leader in corporate sustainability. She holds a Master of Science degree in Chemical Engineering (Environmental) from Wayne State University and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Toledo. She is also a Certified Safety Professional (CSP) and Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM). In addition to her professional achievements, she actively serves on the boards of Women in Manufacturing (WiM), the University of Toledo Alumni Association, the University of Findlay EHSS program, and the Toledo Public Schools Foundation.