Our Executive Team

Pankaj Sharma is Segment President of General Mills’ North America Foodservice business. This $2.3 billion business is focused on growing sales and profit for General Mills by serving the needs of foodservice operators across the United States, including schools, restaurants and hospitals. The role oversees seven manufacturing facilities and over 500 employees.

Prior to leading Foodservice, Sharma served as President, Meals & Baking Solutions (MBS), North America Retail and was a member of the segment’s leadership team. Serving over 85% of families in the U.S., MBS is a $4 billion+ operating division that is home to iconic brands like Pillsbury, Old El Paso, Betty Crocker, Annie’s and Progresso. Under his leadership, MBS consistently grew sales and operating profit, including adding over $1 billion in annual retail sales, and accelerated market share performance driven by a clear strategy, exceptional brand building, market-leading innovation, talent building and cultural transformation.

Sharma has also held various roles increasing in responsibility throughout his career with the company. As President, U.S. Retail Yogurt Operating Unit he led the business to over-deliver both sales and profit in fiscal year 2019 — the first time since fiscal year 2012. He also served as Marketing Vice President, Europe and Australia, based in Nyon, Switzerland where he had responsibility for the marketing function and brand development teams across all General Mills’ businesses. He was instrumental in increasing the innovation pipeline for the region, doubling the rate over the past four years, and reorganizing the region’s operating model to drive superior growth and execution.

Sharma joined General Mills in 2014 and previously spent 15 years at Unilever. He served in a variety of global sales and marketing roles spanning home, personal care and food categories in developed and emerging markets. Over his career, he has lived in five countries.

Currently, he is a member of the South Asian Leadership Team and Diverse Brand Marketers Community at General Mills.

Sharma earned his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Punjab in India, and MBAs from the University of Delhi and International Institute for Management Development in Lausanne, Switzerland. He has also completed the Senior Executive Program at Stanford University.

Education

• University of Punjab, B.E.
• University of Delhi, MBA 
• International Institute for Management Development, MBA

Meet the Full Executive Team