29 May 2026
We are proud to celebrate three outstanding individuals from our organization who have been recognized in the IDDBA & Supermarket News 2026 “Champions of Change” class. This prestigious honor recognizes leaders across the bakery, dairy, deli, and foodservice industries who are shaping the future through innovation, mentorship, and lasting impact.
This year’s recognition highlights excellence across all stages of a career—from rising leaders making bold contributions early on to industry veterans whose influence spans decades. Congratulations to our Emerging Champions, Maya Hazanov and Heather, and to our Legendary Champion, Jim Sposito.
Their achievements reflect not only personal excellence, but also a shared commitment to progress, partnership, and purpose.
Emerging Champion: Maya Hazanov
Director of Operational Excellence and UHT
Maya Hazanov exemplifies what it means to be an emerging leader with extraordinary impact. Over nearly a decade at Puratos, she has become a driving force behind operational excellence, cultural transformation, and people‑centered leadership—earning the respect of colleagues at every level of the organization.
Maya has been instrumental in shaping and leading Puratos’ Operational Excellence program in the U.S., fundamentally changing how teams approach performance, problem‑solving, and continuous improvement.
Known for her ability to translate complex systems into practical, empowering routines, Maya ensures that frontline workers, supervisors, and engineers alike feel ownership of improvement initiatives. Under her leadership, operational excellence is not just a goal—it’s a shared mindset.
In 2025, Maya took on one of the most complex and strategically important projects in Puratos’ recent history: leading the launch of a new UHT plant from concept to commercialization. This multifaceted initiative required cross‑functional coordination, resilience, and clarity under pressure. Maya served as the steady center of the project, navigating challenges with determination and grace while keeping teams aligned and motivated.
She also led the successful pilot and rollout of Redzone, a frontline‑focused digital platform designed to improve communication, training, maintenance, and continuous improvement. The program quickly became a model for engagement and empowerment across the organization.
Perhaps most notably, Maya spearheaded Puratos’ food waste reduction initiative, driving waste levels to below 1%—a powerful demonstration of her belief that operational excellence and sustainability must go hand in hand.
Maya is an emerging leader not because of her title, but because of her impact. She leads with heart and discipline, inspires confidence, and builds cultures where people and performance thrive.
Emerging Champion: Heather
Director, National Accounts
Since stepping into her national account leadership role for Bimbo Bakeries USA in 2018, and expanding her scope to Bimbo Bakeries North America in 2023, Heather has played a pivotal role in building a partnership grounded in trust, collaboration, and shared ambition.
Heather has a unique ability to help customers stay ahead of a rapidly evolving consumer landscape. She has been instrumental in helping Bimbo Bakeries tap into fast‑growing segments, from clean label and better‑for‑you platforms to globally inspired flavors and textures.
With a steady, solutions‑oriented approach, she translates emerging trends into actionable innovation opportunities that keep brands relevant and competitive.
Her impact was formally recognized in 2025, when Puratos was named Bimbo Bakeries USA’s Supplier of the Year, a significant milestone given that Puratos had also received the award in 2019, shortly after Heather began leading the account. The recognition reflects both her immediate influence and the sustained excellence she has brought to the relationship year after year.
Beyond her day‑to‑day work, Heather is deeply committed to strengthening the broader baking community. She has contributed her time and leadership to the BEMA Membership Committee, the Society of Bakery Women Events Committee, and now the ASB Membership and Marketing Committee, helping create opportunities for connection, collaboration, and career development across the industry.
Heather leads with optimism, empathy, and a genuine commitment to shared success—making her a truly deserving Champion of Change.
Legendary Champion: Jim Sposito
Senior Applications Specialist Manager
With a career spanning more than 45 years, Jim Sposito’s influence on the baking industry is both deep and enduring. He began his career at age 16 as a part‑time production worker and steadily advanced through roles including line supervisor, shift supervisor, and Plant Manager for Capital Baking. That hands‑on experience at every level shaped the practical, grounded leadership style he is known for today.
Jim’s career has encompassed retail, wholesale, industrial manufacturing, and ingredient innovation. Over more than 30 years at Puratos, he has contributed across supermarket retail, distribution, industrial production, and R&D—consistently focused on improving formulations, strengthening processes, and helping bakers deliver better, more consistent products.
At Puratos, Jim held key leadership roles including Senior Technical Advisor and Senior Applications Manager, where he led and developed the Applications Specialist (Technical Services) team. His leadership elevated Puratos’ credibility as an industrial partner, particularly in sourdough and large‑scale bakery applications, and he has guided countless customers through product development, scale‑up, and commercialization.
Jim is also widely respected as a mentor. He has spent decades developing technical talent, supporting cross‑functional teams, and providing steady guidance during critical challenges. Many former colleagues continue to seek his advice—a testament to both his expertise and his character.
In 2026, Jim will continue giving back to the industry as Vice Chair of Education for ASB, further extending his legacy of knowledge‑sharing and mentorship.
Jim’s career reflects integrity, humility, and a deep love for the craft. His lasting contributions have elevated people, processes, and partnerships across the industry—making him a fitting Legendary Champion of Change.
Celebrating Leadership at Every Stage
Maya, Heather, and Jim represent the very best of our organization and our industry. Their recognition as Champions of Change is a celebration of innovation, collaboration, mentorship, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
We are incredibly proud of their achievements—and grateful for the impact they continue to make every day.
