Ingredion appoints Mark Karns as Vice President of Corporate Development, M&A

USA – Ingredion Incorporated has announced the appointment of Mark Karns as vice president of corporate development and mergers and acquisitions. 

In this newly created role, Karns will lead a unified corporate strategy and M&A function aimed at aligning the company’s growth initiatives while managing various M&A projects.

Jim Zallie, president and CEO of Ingredion, highlighted Karns’ extensive experience, stating that he has successfully impacted organizations through a combination of M&A expertise, capital markets knowledge, and consulting skills. 

Karns has held significant positions in corporate development, investment banking, private equity, and strategy consulting. 

His background includes a successful track record in valuing and executing transactions across diverse consumer sectors such as food and beverage, home appliances, outdoor recreation, and apparel.

Before joining Ingredion, Karns served as the global head of mergers and acquisitions at Whirlpool Corporation. 

He previously worked as a director in the global consumer investment banking group at Baird, where he executed over 60 M&A and financing transactions.

His earlier roles included strategy consulting at Boston Consulting Group and private equity at Goense Bounds & Partners.

Karns holds an MBA from the University of Chicago and a bachelor’s degree with distinction from the University of Virginia.

He joins the company hierachy as it does fairly well in the market.

Ingredion’s market capitalization stands at approximately US$8.74 billion, with a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.46, suggesting potential undervaluation relative to its earnings growth prospects. 

The company has consistently returned value to its shareholders by increasing dividends for 13 consecutive years, currently offering a dividend yield of 2.38%.

Operating in nearly 120 countries, Ingredion transforms plant-based materials into ingredient solutions for various markets. 

In 2023, the company reported annual net sales around US$8 billion, maintaining solid financial health with a gross profit margin of 21.83% and an operating income margin of 11.68%.