Celebrating Kemin’s Future Leaders: Winner’s Circle 7.0

In May, Kemin hosted Winner’s Circle 7.0, our global leadership development experience designed to recognize, challenge, and elevate high-potential team members from across the organization.

This year’s cohort featured 26 standout individuals, each nominated by their leadership team for exceptional performance, long-term growth potential, and consistent living out of Kemin’s five tenets of servant leadership.

What is the Winner’s Circle?

The Winner’s Circle is more than a recognition program; it’s a strategic investment in Kemin’s future. Through cross-functional collaboration and real-world business challenges, participants sharpen their leadership skills while contributing innovative ideas to help shape the direction of our company.

Professor Sanjay Khosla, a Senior Fellow at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management and Kemin’s consulting partner for our Journey to Transform initiative, facilitates the program. Under his guidance, team members are encouraged to think boldly, work collaboratively, and develop solutions that reflect creativity and practical impact.

How Does the Winner’s Circle Work?

Participants are grouped into cross-functional teams known as Syndicates, each charged with addressing a real-world Kemin challenge. Every Syndicate receives:

• A clearly defined project brief and success criteria
• A structured timeline with milestones and deliverables
• Dedicated support from a Sponsor, Mentor, and Executive Sponsor
• While not all recommendations may be implemented immediately, the ideas presented often spark innovation and identify new opportunities for growth across the business.

Why Does this Program Matter?

Winner’s Circle celebrates talent, teamwork, and vision. It breaks down silos, nurtures bold thinking, and creates a platform for emerging leaders to grow and connect on a global scale. More than anything, it reinforces our belief that great leadership starts with service, curiosity, and a commitment to something greater than oneself.

What Makes a Servant Leader?

Winner’s Circle participants were selected not only for their strong performance, but because they exemplify the five tenets of servant leadership, which guide Kemin’s approach to leadership and culture:

• Listening – Valuing others’ perspectives and seeking to understand before responding
• Empathy – Demonstrating care and compassion for others
• Awareness – Being mindful of one’s impact and surroundings
• Stewardship – Leading with integrity and acting in service to others
• Commitment to Growth – Supporting the personal and professional development of others

These principles are central to how we grow leaders at Kemin. We’re proud of this year’s participants and grateful for the energy, insight, and collaboration they brought to the program.

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