How AI is Reshaping the Future of Work at Kellanova

Rhea-AI Summary

Kellanova (NYSE: K) is actively integrating AI across its operations to transform its workplace and enhance productivity. The company has implemented several key AI initiatives including: Copilot for employee assistance, with over 10,000 employees participating in "Kuriosity Clinics" for AI training. The company's 'Better Data, Bigger Possibilities' framework has delivered notable successes, including the Pringles Poptopia campaign which achieved a 30% increase in first-party data.

The company is leveraging AI through digital twins for manufacturing optimization, implementing RealWear Navigator 520 for R&D collaboration, and deploying handheld tablet technology in plants for real-time production insights. Kellanova is progressing beyond pilot programs to strategic AI implementation across multiple business functions, focusing on human-technology partnership and employee upskilling to drive innovation.

Positive

• Implementation of AI-powered Copilot system with strong employee adoption (10,000+ participants)
• 30% increase in first-party data through Pringles Poptopia digital initiative
• Successful deployment of digital twins technology for manufacturing optimization
• Strategic implementation of AI across multiple business functions beyond pilot phase
• Integration of real-time data analytics and insights in manufacturing through handheld tablets

Negative

• None.

Insights

Technology Strategy Analyst

Kellanova's strategic AI implementation yields measurable results including 30% increase in first-party data while building scalable digital infrastructure across operations.

Kellanova is implementing a comprehensive AI strategy that goes beyond superficial technology adoption, focusing on three key areas that demonstrate a mature digital transformation approach.

First, their employee enablement strategy is particularly noteworthy. By democratizing AI access through Microsoft Copilot and hosting "Kuriosity Clinics" that have engaged over 10,000 employees, Kellanova is building broad organizational AI literacy. This approach typically accelerates adoption and reduces resistance to technological change that often plagues large consumer goods companies.

Second, their data foundation work shows sophistication often missing in consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies. The "Better Data, Bigger Possibilities" framework has delivered concrete results, including a 30% increase in first-party data through their Pringles Poptopia initiative. This addresses a critical industry challenge as third-party cookies phase out. Their use of data clean rooms for audience targeting and the ROOTs program for finance transformation demonstrates advanced data governance capabilities.

Third, their operational implementation shows practical applications yielding tangible benefits. Digital twins for production optimization of paper Pringles cans, RealWear Navigator technology for real-time R&D collaboration, and plant-floor tablet systems represent mature implementations rather than theoretical use cases. Their progression "beyond isolated pilots" to strategic implementation "across multiple business functions" indicates a more advanced position on the AI maturity curve than many competitors.

What makes Kellanova's approach distinctive is their balance between experimentation and practical application. Many companies pursue either highly experimental AI projects without clear ROI or cautious implementations that don't meaningfully transform operations. Kellanova appears to be pursuing both innovation and practical application simultaneously, which positions them well to capture value from their digital investments.

Artificial intelligence is already transforming the future of work in profound ways, and it's only accelerating. Kellanova SVP and Chief Digital and Information Officer, Lesley Salmon, shares insights on the company's strategies to prepare its workforce for the AI revolution.  

CHICAGO, May 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Imagine a world where…

• You're headed into a last-minute meeting, and your phone or laptop serves up critical information before you realize you even need it.
• There is an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered platform where colleagues can connect and quickly access information, no matter where they're located, what language they speak or which device they're using.
• This AI powered platform also recognizes patterns in your workday and builds in time to suggest breaks or head-down time for focus.

At Kellanova, we're seeing glimpses of that reality today. While some companies struggle to determine how to upskill their workforce for the AI revolution, we're capitalizing on the investments we've made and putting our people at the heart of our journey, equipping them with tools that enhance productivity, connectivity and cultivate curiosity. Here are a few examples of how Kellanova is building a future-ready digital workplace with the help of AI – and how you can, too:

Innovation and Experimentation:

We have powered up the friendly AI-powered chat buddy via Copilot for the web. It helps our colleagues in their everyday work to be more creative, enhance their skills, and get things done faster without compromising company security or risking confidentiality. For example, our teams are using Copilot to assist in researching specific topics, ideation and first drafts.

We champion a test-and-learn culture across our organization and host regular "Kuriosity Clinics", giving our colleagues – regardless of title, function or geography – the opportunity to be curious, to explore and to understand the advantages that Generative AI (Gen AI)-powered Copilot can bring. We have had an exceptional response – more than 10,000 people have attended the optional clinics, with lively interaction and many creative ideas.

"It's an exciting time to be in IT and in business as AI, whether it is Gen AI or more recent agentic AI variations, continues to rapidly evolve, bringing new opportunities to unleash our potential for growth be it accelerating speed to market, driving new product development or fostering creativity and innovation," said Kellanova's Global Chief Technology Officer, Ramesh Kollepara.

Better Data, Bigger Possibilities:

Kellanova has been on a digital journey for years, and our approach is paying off. For example, our 'Better Data, Bigger Possibilities' framework is built on the principles of transparency, accountability and collaboration with a goal to ensure colleagues have a comprehensive approach to driving value through data.

Recent wins include:

• Pringles Poptopia – Recognizing the growing demand for personalization in a post-third-party data world, we launched Poptopia to provide a direct-to-consumer, digital experience. Powered by technology, each Pringles can includes a QR code, giving consumers access to personalized, exclusive content. This provides us with an opportunity to engage and better understand our diverse audiences with data. To date, we've seen a 30 percent increase in first-party data and have also streamlined our supply chain operations to ensure production is keeping up with demand.
• Identifying High-Value Audiences – Kellanova is exploring innovative ways and new approaches to consider media targeting strategies. The Kellanova team is using clean room technology that analyzes data by integrating purchase behavior, attitudinal insights and demographic data. This helps enable actionable segmentation that may have the potential to result in sales lifts.
• 'ROOTs' – This is a program focused on establishing strong, scalable and reusable data foundations to enable the transformation of finance, redefining ways of working, leading with insights and driving strategy and execution; not just reporting on it. Reusable data models, and our 'Better Data, Bigger Possibilities' framework, underpin this fantastic initiative and collaboration across Finance and IT.

"Our Bigger Data, Better Possibilities Framework and enterprise-wide 'Kortex' data and analytics technology platform have been central to ensuring Kellanova's IT team is at the forefront of cutting-edge technologies, data, analytics and AI strategies that drive value, differentiate our brands, enhance processes and improve consumer and customer experiences," said Loretta Franks, Kellanova's Chief Data and Analytics Officer.

Improving Workplace Productivity:

The promise of technology is to improve people's lives by making them more productive and efficient, ultimately unlocking human potential. Kellanova's IT team has been working with our commercial and supply chain teams to deploy predictive analytics via digital twins to streamline operations. Specifically, we have:

• Used digital twins to test, adjust and optimize new technology in a virtual environment before launching large-scale manufacturing of our paper Pringles cans in Europe, which enabled us to maintain production efficiency, reduce downtime and improve start-up.
• We are empowering our R&D team to share and receive video in real-time using the RealWear Navigator 520, a ruggedized hands-free assisted reality device. Integrating with Microsoft Teams, our global organization has a first-person view of process innovations happening at Kellanova.
• We have implemented handheld tablet technology at our Kellanova plants that empowers our line operators with real-time data and insights into their production lines, helping us to better manage our overall performance to drive efficiencies every day.

Additionally, we're progressing steadily on the AI agent maturity curve. We are moving beyond isolated pilots and now implementing agents strategically across multiple business functions in order to unlock measurable impact.

The digital workplace in 2025 and beyond will be characterized by intelligence, flexibility, and most importantly, human-technology partnership. Democratizing access to AI tools and investing in upskilling will empower people to harness AI's full potential, working together to drive innovation. Organizations strategically investing in adaptive technologies, prioritizing employee experience and maintaining a forward-thinking approach will be best positioned to thrive.

About Kellanova
Kellanova (NYSE: K) is a leader in global snacking, international cereal and noodles, and North America frozen foods with a legacy stretching back more than 100 years. Powered by differentiated brands including Pringles®, Cheez-It®, Pop-Tarts®, Kellogg's Rice Krispies Treats®, RXBAR®, Eggo®, MorningStar Farms®, Special K®, Coco Pops®, and more, Kellanova's vision is to become the world's best-performing snacks-led powerhouse, unleashing the full potential of our differentiated brands and our passionate people.

At Kellanova, our purpose is to create better days and ensure everyone has a seat at the table through our trusted food brands. We are committed to promoting sustainable and equitable food access by tackling the crossroads of hunger, sustainability, wellbeing, and equity, diversity & inclusion. Our goal is to create Better Days for 4 billion people by the end of 2030 (from a 2015 baseline). For more detailed information about our commitments, our approach to achieving these goals, and methodology, please visit our website at https://www.kellanova.com. 

 

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SOURCE Kellanova

FAQ

What AI initiatives has Kellanova (K) implemented in 2025?

Kellanova has implemented Copilot for employee assistance, digital twins for manufacturing optimization, RealWear Navigator 520 for R&D collaboration, and handheld tablet technology for real-time production insights.

How successful was Kellanova's (K) Pringles Poptopia AI initiative?

The Pringles Poptopia initiative, using QR codes for personalized content, achieved a 30% increase in first-party data and improved supply chain operations.

How many Kellanova employees participated in AI training clinics?

Over 10,000 employees attended Kellanova's optional 'Kuriosity Clinics' for AI training and exploration of Generative AI-powered Copilot.

What is Kellanova's (K) 'Better Data, Bigger Possibilities' framework?

It's a framework built on transparency, accountability, and collaboration principles, aimed at driving value through data across various initiatives including Poptopia, audience targeting, and financial operations.

How is Kellanova (K) using digital twins in manufacturing?

Kellanova uses digital twins to test, adjust, and optimize new technology in a virtual environment before large-scale manufacturing, helping maintain production efficiency and reduce downtime.