At CuliNEX, innovation moves quickly. And with an expanding roster of clients with complex needs, we searched for a skilled Project Manager who could bring organization, clarity, and problem-solving skills without slowing down innovation. That is when we found a natural fit in Natalie Churchill.
Natalie joins CuliNEX after more than 15 years at Starbucks, where she worked across Global R&D, Business Strategy and Operations, Product Innovation, and Sustainability teams. She spent much of her career supporting new product innovation, helping lead cross-functional teams to deliver new products from ideation through launch.
“I am a dot connector. I like to see the big picture and think about how we make things simpler."
One of the things that stood out to Natalie after joining CuliNEX was how quickly innovation can move when teams are aligned and focused.
“Innovation really can move faster at CuliNEX because of how the teams are set up and how closely we work with our clients.”
Compared to large corporate environments where decisions can take longer due to multiple layers of approval, CuliNEX operates with streamlined teams, clear roles, and direct communication with clients. This structure allows projects to move quickly while still maintaining strong collaboration and technical rigor.
Natalie’s experience in large organizations allows her to bring valuable structure to CuliNEX without adding unnecessary complexity. Her focus is on consistency and clarity at the right level. This approach includes helping teams track projects in a consistent way and ensure expectations are aligned from project kickoff through completion.
Her goal is not to add more process, but to provide tools that help teams work faster and more effectively.
“How do we strengthen the way we show up consistently while we continue to do the great innovation that is already happening?”
Natalie is already working on a variety of projects at CuliNEX, including new innovation, line extensions, and product optimization.
The diversity of project types allows her to apply her skills across different types of challenges while also continuing to learn about the dynamic food and beverage industry.
"I am a first generation American who is proud of her roots."
Outside of work, Natalie is married with two young, energetic boys who keep her busy and active. She is also a first generation American with a Polish background, and Polish was the first language she spoke growing up.
Natalie’s family heritage and upbringing have played an important role in shaping who she is today and how she approaches relationships, collaboration, and teamwork.
Her collaborative approach fits well with the CuliNEX culture, which relies on teamwork across culinary, food science, commercialization, and client teams to bring products to market successfully.
As CuliNEX continues to grow, strong project leadership will be essential to maintaining the company’s ability to move quickly while delivering excellent results for clients.
Natalie brings the experience, problem-solving mindset, and collaborative leadership style needed to support that growth, and we are excited to have her on the team.
