Industry veteranShaheen Majeedis the new CEO of three key subsidiaries ofBGG World (BGG). Majeed assumed the role of CEO of BGG’s HB Natural Ingredients USA (HBNI) subsidiary on January 1, and assumes the positions of CEO of BGG Americas and Algae Health Sciences (AHS) upon the retirement of current CEOBob Capellion March 1, 2022. Majeed comes to BGG after spending 25 years with supplement ingredient supplier Sabinsa, where he held a variety of positions including roles in sales, supply chain, and global marketing, culminating in the position of worldwide President for the last four years.
“We searched for over a year for the perfect candidate to fill these roles,” Capelli said. “I feel totally comfortable leaving things in Shaheen’s very capable hands.”
Majeed added, “I could not be more pleased and proud to be associated with a company that is rooted in quality and deeply devoted to innovation. I look forward to working with this incredible team of people building the sales and attention that BGG deserves in the marketplace.”
Simon Seward, previously SVP QRILL Aqua atAker BioMarine, has been appointed EVP of Human Health & Nutrition for the company Aker BioMarine. In his new role, he will lead the growth strategy for the Aker’s Superba brand.
The Hain Celestial Group, Inc., announced thatChris Bellairsis the new Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Bellairs succeeds Javier Idrovo, who is resigning for another opportunity. Bellairs previously worked for Stone Brewing, Dean Foods Company, PepsiCo, and Procter & Gamble Company.
Katrina Pitts andAugust Aldermanare joining theOrganic Trade Association (OTA)as the organization’s first Diversity & Entrepreneurship Program fellows. Pitts and Alderman will work closely with OTA staff and membership to develop diversity-related trainings and programming, support the Justice Equity Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) Member Council, and bring an equity lens to the strategic planning process.
Arnulfo Ventura will lead Alter Eco Foods as CEO, with a focus on continuing to expand the company's portfolio of organic snacks and implementation of regenerative agriculture practices to fight climate change and income inequality. As one of the early Latinx entrepreneurs in the health and wellness food & beverage sectors, Ventura helped co-found Project Potluck, a professional community with a singular mission to help POC build successful companies and careers in the CPG industry
Global Organization for EPA and DHA Omega-3s (GOED)announced thatChris Gearheart, who has been with GOED since 2015, moves into the newly created position of Director of Growth and Engagement, where he will concentrate on projects leveraging technology and data mining to explore ways to build revenue for the organization outside of member dues. Gearheart has been with GOED since 2015, having previously served as Director of Member Communications and Engagement. GOED also announced two new hires.Kaitlin Roke, Ph.D., is the new Director of Scientific Communication and Outreach. Roke has been consulting with GOED since 2018, helping to build and refine its Clinical Study Database. Upon the database’s launch, Roke will be the key liaison for users accessing this research tool.Vicky Linjoins GOED as the Communications Manager, handling member communications, coordinating The GOED Current weekly newsletter, and supporting outreach to consumer and healthcare practitioner audiences.
Green Spoon Saleshas appointedHass Hassanto its board of directors. With more than 40 years of experience in the natural foods industry, Hassan will work closely with Green Spoon’s senior leadership team to help usher in the next wave of industry-leading brands. Hassan has served on the board of over 25 companies and community organizations including Whole Foods Market, and has launched two major retail chains: Alfalfa’s Markets and Fresh and Wild. He also oversaw the merger of Alfalfa's with Wild Oats Market, serving as president of the combined company.
Calbee America, Inc. has announcedRyo Tsutsumi as the new CEO. The change follows the company’s recent acquisition of Warnock Food Products. Tsutsumi will focus on long- and mid-term strategy, plan implementation, and organizational development.Mio Sakata, President, andKen Murata, COO, will continue their leadership roles in the division, joined byAtsushi Matsuoas the new Chief Production Officer.
Open Book Extractsannounced the addition ofTony ReevesandTony Scanlanto its European sales and leadership team. Reeves and Scanlan will work with the company’s global sales and operations team to support the growing list of clients in the UK and Europe, as well as key global markets around the world.
Farmer Focusannounced the addition ofSheryl O'LoughlinandSusan Lattmannto its Board of Managers. In addition to joining as members of the Board of Managers, O'Loughlin will serve as Chair of the Nominating and Governance Committee and Lattmann as Chair of the Audit Committee. O'Loughlin is the co-founder of the Women on Boards project and the JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) Collaborative, and Lattmann brings over 30 years of experience in finance and operational roles.
FoodTech start-upChickP, Ltd.has namedLiat Lachish Levyas the new CEO. The company also announced that it has finalized Round A of US$8M in total, and has plans to enter the European and the U.S. markets in “full steam.”
Google alum Misty Muscatel Davis has joined IRI as Global Chief Marketing Officer, responsible for driving marketing and sales initiatives in alignment with IRI’s growth strategies with the goal of accelerating demand, awareness and ecosystem growth.
Matthew Yousefzadeh, Ph.D., of the Institute on the Biology of Aging and Metabolism, Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, is serving on the scientific advisory board ofSRW Laboratories(SRW) to bring attention to the natural ingredient fisetin. SRW noted that Dr. Yousefzadeh has published more than 30 scientific publications with heavy emphasis on cellular senescence and aging. His latest study, published in 2021, in the journalScience, showed that senescent cells exacerbate COVID-19, which may explain why older populations struggle with recovery from the virus more than younger populations.
