ATCHISON, Kan., August 24, 2011—Jill Baumert has joined MGP Ingredients, Inc. (MGPI) as territory sales representative for the company’s ingredients solutions segment. In assuming the role, her focus will be on the commercialization of MGPI’s innovative lines of specialty wheat starches and proteins. These unique value-added ingredients provide nutritional and functional benefits in a wide range of consumer packaged food products.

“I am very pleased to have Jill join our sales team with her focus on serving customers in the upper Midwest region of the United States,” said Mike Lasater, MGPI national sales director.  “Jill’s in depth understanding of customer needs and her ability to effectively coordinate teams to deliver customer-focused solutions make her a great asset to MGPI and those we serve.”

Baumert most recently served as national account specialist of Nikolas Bakery/IMB Distribution, Bloomington, Minn. In this capacity, her responsibilities focused on new territory development, in which she played a key role in acquiring new accounts and increasing sales for the company. Baumert also assisted with research and development and creative product development efforts.

From 2005 to 2009, Baumert was employed by Waymar Industries, Burnsville, Minn. She served as sales administrator, providing sales support for a multi-state territory.   She was the point of contact for the company’s major customers. From 2004 to 2005, Baumert was general manager/training manager for Jilliann’s Entertainment at the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minn. She oversaw operations for the multi-venue company, as well as managed budgets and training.

Baumert is a graduate of St. Cloud (Minn.) State University, where she received an associate’s degree in business management in 1986.