Iris Tzafrir

Iris Tzafrir serves as the Global Director of Innovation Value Capture at Cargill since January 2021, where responsibilities include establishing an Innovation Value Capture pillar, managing a Patent Scientist team, and providing strategic advisory for specialty canola oils. As Principal Owner of TZ Consulting and Speaking LLC, Iris focuses on enhancing enterprise value for agriculture and biotechnology clients through strategic partnerships and business development. Current engagements also include serving as Executive in Residence at the University of Minnesota's Office for Technology Commercialization. Previously, Iris held various strategic roles at Syngenta from 2005 to 2019, including Strategy Business Development Manager and Commercial Product Line Manager, contributing to significant business transformations and product launches. Iris holds a Ph.D. in Plant Biological Sciences from the University of Minnesota and a B.A. in Biology and Biochemistry from Drew University.