Maria Chapellin is a seasoned business leader with over 15 years of experience in the Food & Beverage industry, spanning Brand management, Merchandising, and Owned Brand Product Development. Currently Director of Product Development at Target, Maria leads long-term innovation and product development across Bakery, Deli, and Meat & Seafood, driving sustainable growth and cross-functional collaboration.

Originally from Venezuela, Maria brings a global perspective and a deep appreciation for adaptability and resilience. Her Food & Beverage career began in Brand Management at General Mills, where she led both legacy brands and entrepreneurial ventures. At Target, she has held diverse roles across Merchandising and Product Development, consistently delivering results through consumer-first strategies and inclusive leadership.

Maria holds an MBA from MIT Sloan and a Systems Engineering degree from Universidad Metropolitana. She is known for her ability to build strong, empowered teams and for translating insights into actionable strategies that drive impact. Her leadership style is collaborative and caring, with a focus on creating cultures of accountability and engagement.

Maria is passionate about food, innovation, and making a difference through purposeful work. She lives in Minnesota with her husband and two boys and actively contributes to her community through education and youth programs.