Bennett Brenton joined Snap-on Incorporated as Chief Innovation Officer and Vice President of Innovation in February 2007.  Snap-on is a leading global innovator, manufacturer and marketer of tools, diagnostics and equipment solutions for professional users.  Ben’s role is to drive innovative products, solutions and processes that fundamentally change the markets Snap-on serves and enhance customer perception of its brands. Ben has helped to create, support and institutionalize a culture at Snap-on that embraces creativity, risk, change and fearless innovation.   In early 2009 Ben launched Innovation Works! – a physical center for innovation at Snap-on’s office in Kenosha Wisconsin. Prior to joining Snap-on, Ben spent 4 years in Marketing at PepsiCo, most recently as the Director of Innovation for the Frito-Lay Convenience Foods division.  At PepsiCo he also led innovation as Director of Innovation for Tropicana and prior to that as Director of Innovation for Shelf Stable Beverages.  Before joining PepsiCo, Ben was Marketing Director of New Products at Kraft Foods.  He spent over 14 years at Kraft Foods, starting as a Research Scientist in Biotechnology and working in various roles with increasing responsibility and scope across R&D and Marketing.  Ben has over 20 years of experience focused on new product development, marketing and innovation.  Ben is a recognized expert in innovation and an expert at facilitating ideation sessions and customer interviews. Ben holds a Bachelors degree in Biology and a Masters degree in Microbial Genetics from the University of Nebraska.  He was awarded a fellowship in Biotechnology from the National Academy of Sciences and received a Ph.D, in Food Science and Nutrition with an emphasis in Molecular Genetics from the University of Massachusetts.  He is an active runner, cyclist and triathlete.