Kelli Heinz was announced as the Flavor Extract Manufacturers Association of the United States (FEMA) President for the 2025-2026 calendar year. The current Bell Flavors & Fragrances, Inc. Vice President of Marketing & Industry Affairs, Heinz was introduced as President during the 2025 FEMA Annual Leadership Conference. Her experience includes 13 years on the Board of Directors for the Women in Flavor & Fragrance Commerce’s Chicago Chapter and two decades of flavor and fragrance industry involvement. In her new role she will look to build upon the comprehensive strategic plan developed by her predecessor, Paul Graham, and the Board of Governors. “The challenges facing our sector are real, but so are the opportunities. Now is the time for all of us to use our voices, stay informed, and advocate together for the future of flavor. Both FEMA and our industry are strongest when we are united and engaged," shared Heinz.

The BDB Global Board of Directors has added two new members, Emma Simms as Executive Director – Strategy & Innovation and Carmen Soggia as Executive Director – Client Services. Both joined the BDB team back in 2014 with Simms now leading the growth of the agency in the global ingredients and advanced materials market and Soggia driving client satisfaction through exceptional service for the company's multinational customer base. “It’s exciting to embark on the next phase of BDB, with a new Board in place to lead our 65-strong team. Both Emma and Carmen have made significant contributions to the growth that BDB has achieved in recent years, which has seen the agency double in size thanks to our excellent client retention rates and high volume of word-of-mouth referrals,” shared Jenny Mason, Managing Director.

Gencor has confirmed John Quilter as Chief Executive Officer. A Food Scientist with a Bachelor's degree in Animal Science, Master's degree in Food Science, and a Professional Diploma in Strategy and Innovation from the Smurfit Business School, University College Dublin, Ireland, Quilter founded and led boutique strategic advisory firm, BiaQ, as CEO. He also previously held various positions with Kerry Group including Global Portfolio Vice President of ProActive Health and North America Applied Health and Nutrition Leader. 

“I am thrilled about joining the team and having the opportunity to work with such a reputable and science-driven company like Gencor,” said the new CEO. “I look forward to our continued growth together, and I am very excited about our future.”

The new Vice President of Sales at Alkemist Labs is Petra Erlandson. A ten year veteran of the company, Erlandson built and managed an entire team of sales reps and has contributed to organizations throughout the industry including Women in Nutraceuticals (WIN), the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA), the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), the United Natural Products Alliance (UNPA), and the Global Retailer and Manufacturer Alliance. "Congratulations Petra! So glad you reached out to me in early 2015 to explore if there might be a role for you at Alkemist. Clearly this has worked out well," shared Elan Sudberg, CEO Alkemist Labs. 

Andreas Bohrer is now the Chief Legal & Corporate Affairs Officer at Lonza. Bohrer has been Company Secretary of Lonza's Group General Counsel since 2015, overseeing the company’s Legal, Ethics & Compliance and IP functions, alongside Sustainability and ESG, Enterprise Risk Management, Insurance Management and Public Affairs. Prior to joining Lonza, Bohrer was General Counsel and a member of the EC for the Novartis Animal Health Division and held several senior positions with Legal functions at UBS.

“Andreas’ promotion into this newly created role is testament to the breadth and depth of his contributions to Lonza over the past decade, as well as his effective leadership across our company. On behalf of the EC, I warmly congratulate Andreas on his appointment and look forward to his continued impact in this new role," shared Lonza CEO, Wolfgang Wienand.

Nutraceutical, beauty, and health industry veteran, Gregory T. Arabatzis, has joined VeCollal as Senior Business Development Manager USA. The world's first plant-based (vegan) collagen alternative brand will rely on Arabatzis' twenty years of experience scaling innovative ingredient brands to lead the company's US expansion. A former member of the ChromaDex team, Arabatzis established, grew, and managed its HCP and raw materials channels. "I am committed to advancing the nutritional supplement industry and improving the health and wellbeing of people around the world."

Agri-Mark/Cabot Creamery Cooperative has announced Elizabeth "Liz" Suchy as Vice President of Marketing. In the new role, Suchy will spearhead the company's marketing efforts focusing on the farmer-owned Cabot brand and oversee brand strategy, marketing planning and execution, retail growth, plus business and consumer insights. With 20 years of strategic brand development, corporate growth, and innovation experience, Suchy's resume includes strategic brand development roles for companies like Goldfish, Milano, Ocean Spray, and PAAS Easter Egg Decorating Kits. “It’s an honor to join Cabot — a brand I’ve admired and enjoyed for as long as I can remember. As a lifelong fan, I know the pride and passion that goes into every product, and I’m excited to help bring that story to more consumers in more meaningful ways,” commented Suchy.

Suja Life appointed Nicole Portwood as its new Chief Marketing Officer and Saxon Seay as its first Chief Strategy Officer. Both Portwood and Seay will work closely with the company's CEO, Maria Stipp, and lead strategic initiatives centered around driving growth across all Suja Life brand's including Suja Organic, Vive Organic and Slice Healthy Soda. “Suja Life is driving incredible momentum across the entire business right now, solidifying our position as a market leader for both Suja Organic and Vive Organic and kicking off 2025 with the launch of Slice,” said Stipp. “Because of our success, we knew it was imperative to keep the business moving forward with strategic visionaries that have experience in scaling efficiently. We’re thrilled to bring on Nicole Portwood as CMO and appoint Saxon Seay as CSO to round out our skilled C-Suite of industry veterans who will make a profound impact on the business over the coming years.”

Mandy McCarthy is the new Chief Marketing Officer at Trace. A former General Manager of Nestlé’s Specialty Supplements division, McCarthy has focused on strategic growth and brand transformations for companies like Newell Brands, Unilever, and Office Depot, and spent seven years leading the marketing initiatives at Garden of Life. At Trace, the new CMO will lead the company's marketing strategy, pushing forward initiatives that increase the brands market presence and help spread the message mineral importance to consumers.

"Joining Trace at this pivotal stage presents a rare opportunity to help shape the trajectory of a company with both purpose and the potential for continued growth,” expressed McCarthy. “Together, we’ll build an elevated brand experience based on education that resonates deeply, inspires action and drives sustained growth. Backed by 50 years of research and consumer trust, Trace has all the right ingredients to disrupt today's wellness industry in an even more impactful way. I look forward to unlocking what’s next.”

Aker BioMarine named Bob Nelson as General Manager of its Houston-based manufacturing facility. With extensive experience in mechanical engineering and operations in the health and pharmaceutical industries, Nelson will help drive Aker’s mission to advance human health while reinforcing the facility’s role as the cornerstone of Aker BioMarine. As the global hub—from which the company develops and distributes science-backed health ingredients to more than 60 countries—Houston Manufacturing is dedicated to fostering innovation and creating progressive solutions for tomorrow. With three decades in driving process improvement and 22 years of leadership experience, Nelson has led teams in Operations, Technical Operations, Supply Chain, Maintenance, and Project Engineering at companies like QuVa Pharma and Sanofi. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Yale and a Master of Business Administration from Western Michigan University.

Kingswood Capital Management and Performance Investment Partners completed their acquisition of The Vitamin Shoppe from Franchise Group. Sharon Leite, who served as Chief Executive Officer of the chain from 2018 to 2023, has returned as CEO, and the rest of the executive leadership team remains in place. “After an incredibly rewarding and successful four and a half years in the business, I am thrilled to return to The Vitamin Shoppe,” said Leite. “With the invaluable support of our partners at Kingswood and PIP—leaders in building brands and driving growth in omnichannel retail—we are primed for an exciting new era of expansion. I look forward to collaborating with the board, management team, vendor partners, and our dedicated Health Enthusiasts as we build a world-class health and wellness platform that delivers an unparalleled experience to our customers.”

Hain announced the departure of Wendy Davidson, President, CEO and member of the Board of Directors. The Hain Board is executing a leadership succession plan to identify the next CEO, during which time Alison E. Lewis, a member of the Board since September 2024, will serve as Interim President and CEO. Lewis is a 35-year veteran of the consumer packaged goods industry with more than 30 years of leadership experience.“The Board believes this is the right time to transition to new leadership,” said Dawn Zier, Chair of the Board. “We appreciate that Alison Lewis, a seasoned executive with vast industry and leadership experience, has agreed to serve as Interim President and CEO while we execute our succession plan. Alison has a track record of driving superior in-market execution, delivering disciplined and profitable revenue growth, and leveraging innovation to create value. During this transition period, we will remain focused on maximizing the value of Hain. On behalf of the entire Board, I want to thank Wendy for her contributions to the Company and wish her the very best in the future.”

Awards & Honors

The Specialty Food Association (SFA) has inducted Patrick Ford to its Hall of Fame. Known throughout the industry for his advocacy, mentorship, and passion, SFA is honoring Ford's thirty year commitment and contributions to the space. “This honor means so much to me coming from the SFA, which provides exceptional support and resources to our industry, creating a path for all of us to be successful,” said Ford. “I share this honor with mom, Sandi, President of Ford’s Gourmet Foods, my dad, Lynn Ford, President of Ford's Produce Co., Inc. brother, Vaughn Ford, VP of Ford's Produce Co., Inc. and the team at Ford’s Gourmet Foods and Ford’s Produce who are very much a part of the family.” A special celebratory ceremony will be held on Monday, June 30 during the 2025 Summer Fancy Food Show in NYC.

The 2025 ABC Steven Foster Botanical Conservation and Sustainability Award recipient is ethnobotanist and conservationist Anthony Cunningham. Named in honor of botanist and, author, and photographer Steven Foster, the award was created in 2022 to recognize excellence in conservation and sustainability efforts related to medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs).  An ethnoecologist, artist, adjunct professor at Murdoch University in western Australia with 45 years of experience focusing on uses and trade of natural resources, Cunningham earned a Bachelor’s degree in botany and entomology from the University of Natal in Pietermaritzburg, a Bachelor’s degree in entomology from Rhodes University in Grahamstown (now Makhanda), South Africa, a Ph.D. in botany from the University of Cape Town, and a Master’s degree in social science from the University of Natal in Durban, South Africa. 

“I admired Steven’s amazing photos of herbs and medicinal plants long before I got to meet him at botanical meetings in the United States,” expressed Cunningham. “Although from different parts of the world, we shared a common interest in conservation and sustainable use of medicinal plants. I am honored, therefore, to receive the ABC Steven Foster Botanical Conservation and Sustainability Award for 2025.”