June Spotlight Award: Thyme Hill | Leading with Empathy and Advocacy
This month, we are proud to recognize Thyme Hill as our June Spotlight Award winner. A seasoned commercial growth leader with over two decades of experience, Thyme has built a career marked by bold strategy, operational discipline, and people-first leadership. She brings energy, vision, and integrity to everything she does – and the impact she has made on the food industry is nothing short of inspiring.
Thyme’s professional journey began in marketing agencies, where she developed brand, shopper, and digital strategies for major CPG clients. These early roles sharpened her understanding of consumer behavior and retail dynamics, laying a foundation for the next chapter of her career. In 2012, she joined Bob Evans Farms, where she rose through the ranks to become the company’s first-ever Chief Marketing Officer. In that role, she didn’t just lead marketing – she acted as a true business unit leader. Under her guidance, Bob Evans Farms transformed from a regional, sales-led company to a national, market-driven powerhouse, doubling in size to become a $1B brand.
But Thyme’s legacy goes far beyond commercial success. One of her most defining qualities is her deep commitment to advocating for women in the workplace. She consistently shows up with excellence and authenticity, using her voice to ensure women’s contributions are recognized and their leadership potential championed. Through intentional mentorship, personalized coaching, and a genuine investment in others’ success, Thyme has helped elevate numerous women into executive roles. She also works to embed inclusive hiring and development practices across organizations – creating high-performing teams that reflect a diverse range of voices and strengths. For Thyme, advocacy is not a side effort – it’s central to how she leads.
Thyme’s rise through the ranks came with challenges familiar to many women in leadership. In spaces where few women had a seat at the table, she often felt the need to work twice as hard to be heard. But instead of shrinking back, she leaned in – trusting her instincts, owning her voice, and leading with authenticity. She credits a strong community – both women and men – for supporting and championing her along the way, and now she’s paying that forward every step of the way.
What fuels Thyme’s drive? Her answer is clear: family and legacy. She draws strength from her husband and three boys, aiming to lead in a way that makes them proud – and that sets an example of courage, integrity, and heart. She also wants to leave a legacy in business: one that transforms brands, empowers people, and creates lasting value. Whether leading a turnaround, modernizing digital strategy, or growing teams, Thyme does it all while keeping her values at the center.
Thyme’s wisdom for women navigating their careers in F&B is powerful and actionable:
“Trust yourself. Readiness isn’t about perfection – it’s about influence. Use your voice – even when it’s uncomfortable – not just for yourself, but for those who haven’t been heard yet. Surround yourself with truth-tellers and champions. And remember: your story, your grit, and your perspective are your superpowers.”
For Thyme, connection has been one of the most important forces in her career. Whether through mentoring, informal chats, or communities like Females in Food, she has found strength and clarity in shared experiences. These relationships have reminded her she’s never alone – and that together, women can amplify one another’s voices and impact.
Congratulations, Thyme Hill!
Thank you for inspiring us with your story, your leadership, and your unwavering commitment to empowering others. We are proud to celebrate you as our June Spotlight Award recipient.
