Nationality: American | Year of birth: 1961
Bridgette Heller has proven experience in the standalone divisions of companies such as Johnson & Johnson, Merck & Co. Inc. and Danone SA, and has served on the audit committees of ADT Corp. and Tech Data Corp. During her career, she has overseen the performance of CFOs and made decisions on strategic R&D priorities. Ms. Heller is an advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion, and traveled globally to reinforce Danone’s commitment to infant and maternal health, inclusive diversity, an equitable workforce for women, and sustainable communities. She is co-founder and CEO of the Shirley Proctor Puller Foundation, an education and youth empowerment nonprofit, and devotes much of her time to strengthening education and sustainability in an underserved community in the US.
Professional experience
- Co-founder and CEO, Shirley Proctor Puller Foundation, US (2019‑present)
- EVP and president of specialized nutrition, Danone SA, Netherlands (2017‑2019)
- EVP of early life nutrition, Danone SA, Netherlands (2016‑2019)
- EVP and president of consumer care, Merck & Co. Inc., US (2010‑2015)
- Global president of the baby global business unit, Johnson & Johnson, US (2007‑2009)
- President of the US baby, kids and wound care business and of global innovation development, Johnson & Johnson, US (2005‑2007)
- Managing partner, Heller Associates: Ideas for Growth Inc., US (2004‑2005)
- CEO, Chung’s Gourmet Foods, US (2003‑2004)
- Various managerial positions at Kraft Foods Inc., US (1985‑2003)
Mandates
- Board member, Integral Ad Science Inc., US
- Board member, Aramark, US
- Board member, Dexcom Inc., US
- Board member, Newman’s Own Inc., US
- Member of the board of trustees, Northwestern University, US
- Member of the advisory board, Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, US
- Board member, Shirley Proctor Puller Foundation, US
- Board member, Newman’s Own Foundation, US
- Board member, Tech Data Corp., US (2016‑2020)
- Board member, ADT Corp., US (2012‑2016)
- Board member, Girls Inc., US (2002‑2014)
Education
- Master’s degree in marketing and management policy, Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, US
- Bachelor’s degree in economics and computer studies, Northwestern University, US
Key skills
- Medicine/healthcare/R&D
- Environmental, social and governance (ESG)
- Data/digital
- Leadership/management
- Finance/accounting
- Law/regulatory/risk management