Matt Nielsen
Matt Nielsen is a third-generation steward, shareholder, director and executive for Nielsen-Massey Vanillas Inc., Managing Director of Nielsen-Massey Vanillas International BV and Managing Director of Nielsen Real Estate BV. His current operational responsibilities include overseeing the company’s European activities. For 20+ years Matt also had responsibility for the company’s worldwide operations, retail and foodservice sales and strategic initiatives. In addition to serving on the Nielsen-Massey board of directors, he is currently a Director for Graziano Brothers, a family held producer of specialty sausage products and specialty retailer and distributor located in Des Moines, IA.
In addition, Matt serves as Vice President – Treasurer and Director of the Nielsen-Massey Foundation; Mentor, Panelist and Executive-In-Residence in Kellogg’s John L. Ward Center for Family Enterprises; advisor to start up Sunday Night Foods; and a member of the Loyola University Family Business Center.
He is a past Director and Officer of the Specialty Food Association; The French Pastry School’s Curriculum Advisory Board; the Alliance for Illinois Manufacturing; and an advisor for three specialty food startup companies – Droga Chocolates, Rare Bird Preserves and Two Fold.
Matt is a graduate of Gettysburg College in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania and holds two Certificates of Professional Achievement in Family Business Leadership and Governance from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, Evanston, Illinois.
Matt lives in Lake Bluff, Illinois with his wife, Amy, and their son and daughter. In his free time, Matt enjoys spending time with his family, exploring the outdoors, boating, skiing/snowboarding, riding his motorcycle and cooking, particularly authentic, competition BBQ.