NBTY boosts product development with newly created chief scientific officer position

RONKONKOMA, N.Y. — NBTY on Tuesday announced the appointment of Matthew Roberts to the newly created role of chief scientific officer. In this role, he will lead the company's innovation efforts by creating and executing product development strategies, enhancing product offerings and driving product advancements.

 

"Matthew is an industry veteran who has demonstrated excellence in driving product innovation and growth-phase opportunities across the food, nutrition and well-being sectors," said Steve Cahillane, president and CEO NBTY. "We're looking forward to the expertise he will bring to NBTY and the positive impact his role will have on our brands, customers and consumers."

 

With more than 20 years of experience in the product development field, Roberts comes to NBTY from Abbott Nutrition, where he was most recently divisional VP global product research and development. He helped bring many new products to market each year, representing hundreds of new SKUs across all categories of nutrition. Prior to this role, Roberts held the position of divisional VP strategic research. Previously, Roberts spent more than 10 years with Nestle, where he was responsible for new product introductions, ventures and major acquisitions.  

 

As a testament to his background in research and development, Roberts has authored 34 peer-reviewed scientific publications and 11 professional publications and holds multiple patents. In addition to his role as chief scientific officer, he will be a member of the NBTY Scientific Advisory Council.

 

Roberts will begin his new role immediately and will be based in Ronkonkoma, N.Y. He earned an Executive MBA from Washington University, a PhD in Comparative & Environmental Toxicology from Cornell University, and a B.S. from Purdue University. Additionally, he served in the U.S. Army and participated in Operation Desert Storm.