Katie Diesl GPG.jpgKatie Diesl
Grimmway Produce Grouphas appointedKirsten Anderbergas Chief Financial Officer andKatie Dieslas President of Organic Vegetable Category. Anderberg, an experienced strategic financial leader with a proven track record past across the natural, organic, and consumer packaged goods sectors, having held executive roles at Fresca Foods, Fantasy Cookie Corporation, and Rudi’s Organic Bakery, will oversee all financial planning and analysis, accounting and controls, tax, treasury, and IT functions for Grimmway Produce Group. Diesl joined Grimmway in 2007 and has served as Chief Information Officer and Interim President of the organic division. In her new role, Diesl will lead the overall performance and strategic growth of the organic category, overseeing profit and loss, operational strategy, go-to-market execution, and cross-functional innovation.
Kirsten Anderberg GPG.jpgKirsten Anderberg
“We are building the future of fresh – rooted in heritage, driven by data, and committed to customer success,” said Jeff Huckaby, CEO of Grimmway Produce Group. “Kirsten and Katie are dynamic leaders with the experience and passion to drive our growth strategy forward. Kirsten brings the financial discipline and strategic lens we need at the enterprise level, while Katie’s deep knowledge of our business and our values make her uniquely suited to lead our organic category in this next chapter.”

The Sustainable Packaging Coalition (SPC) has elected Scott Byrne, Vice President of Global Sustainability at Sonoco, to its Executive Committee. The ten-member group plays a key role in guiding the SPC's strategy. Chosen members serve as ambassadors for the Coalition and provide suggestions on goals and projects while ensuring objectives stay on par with the changing packaging industry landscape.  

A former President of the AMERIPEN board, Byrne still sits on its board and is also on the Oregon Recycling System Advisory Council. "When the invitation came, I was happy to say yes. It was a little unexpected, but we’ve had a long-standing relationship with the SPC – we’ve attended events and provided our insights into numerous projects and collaboratives over the years. Ultimately, this is a great opportunity to collaborate with brand owners, customers and competitors to shape what sustainability in packaging should look like," said Byrne.

Todd DeRoo-NOW.jpgTodd DeRoo
Todd DeRoo has joined theNOW Health Groupas its Chief Operations Officer. With over two decades of dietary supplements manufacturing and over the counter (OTC) products experience, the new COO has held positions with Perrigo as its Vice President of Operations. In his new role, DeRoo will oversee all NHG-US manufacturing, distribution, supply chain, and engineering functions.

“Joining this family-owned company with its strong ethical base and growing global presence is a wonderful opportunity,” said DeRoo. “I’m excited to be part of this team.”

Doug Lynch has been named commercial Sales Lead of Ingredients By Nature (IBN). The CEO and Founder of Marketwell Nutrition Inc., will oversee key business areas on behalf of Ingredients by Nature, including sales, business development, marketing, and the continued expansion of IBN’s intellectual property portfolio. An industry veteran, Lynch will also lead company projects aimed towards identifying and sourcing novel, clinically backed ingredients and technologies from university pipelines for a potential expansion into finished product medical foods and diagnostic testing.

"It’s an honor to take on this expanded role with Ingredients By Nature. I’m personally excited to continue building on our successes, engage directly with clients and partners, and contribute to the company’s ongoing growth in both human and animal nutrition markets."

Mo Hussain Sabinsa.jpgMohammed "Mo" Hussain
Sabinsa has broughtMohammed "Mo" Hussainon board as Vice President of Strategic Affairs. An industry veteran with over 20 years of operations, product development, and strategic planning experience across the CPG industry, Hussain has led multimillion-dollar sales initiatives, managed global teams, and successfully launched award-winning products in both domestic and international markets. In his new role he will focus on supporting Sabinsa’s continued growth trajectory and strengthening operational frameworks across international markets.

“I’m excited to join Sabinsa’s mission-driven global organization,” said the new VP of Strategic Affairs. “Its commitment to scientific innovation and sustainable practices resonates with my personal values. I look forward to contributing my experience and skills to reinforce the company’s leadership and growth.”

The Vitamin Shoppe has named Kate Vukelich as its Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer. With a Bachelor of Science in Business from the University of Minnesota’s Curtis L. Carlson School of Management and more than 20 years of human resources, retail operations, and organizational transformation experience, Vukelich's new role will include overseeing all areas of human resources strategy and operations, including talent acquisition and development, organizational culture, and associate engagement across The Vitamin Shoppe stores, distribution centers, and corporate support center.

“I’m thrilled to join The Vitamin Shoppe at such a pivotal time in the brand’s evolution,” said Ms. Vukelich. “This is a purpose-driven organization powered by passionate teams and a bold vision for the future. As we implement a new transformation and growth plan, I’m eager to help unlock the incredible potential of our people, foster a world-class workplace culture, and ensure every Health Enthusiast associate is valued, empowered, and positioned for success.”

CErickson.jpgChris Erickson
Bay State Milling has announced the addition of two new members to its leadership team;Chris Ericksonas Vice President of Technology andElidio Amaral as Vice President of Corporate Finance and Treasury. Erickson, with two decades of experience leading technology and security organizations within the manufacturing, distribution and food/beverage sectors, will deepen the company's IT infrastructure and business applications while developing long-term technology strategies. Amaral, a member of Bay State Milling since May 2015, began his tenure with the company as senior director of corporate finance before being promoted to the new role.

EAmaral.pngElidio Amaral
Chief Financial Officer Alain Hanna discussed the significance of Erickson joining the organization and the promoting of Amaral, a tenured employee. "Part of our strength is continuing to learn, grow and innovate. This includes manufacturing infrastructure, of course, but also cybersecurity, data and analytics operations and deploying our resources in the most effective, efficient ways. By bringing Chris' expertise into the mix, we are excited to see where we go next...This promotion recognizes the significant work Elidio has done, and continues to do, to ensure our finance and treasury functions operate efficiently, with strong oversight and controls, while keeping the needs of our business and stakeholders top of mind."

Dafna Cohen-Asher was confirmed as the new Chief Executive Officer of Lycored. With 15 years of international experience in business development, mergers and acquisitions, and the strategic management of complex projects, Cohen-Asher will be tasked with shaping and executing the company's growth strategy, strengthening its global sales and marketing network, and deepening relationships and collaborations with customers across the world, while overseeing the brand's teams in Israel, the United States, and Europe.

"I am excited to lead a company that combines the power of nature-based ingredients with scientific and research excellence. Lycored will continue to be a partner in innovation in the food and beverage, dietary supplement, and beauty industries, offering naturally derived, top-quality solutions that promote health, beauty, and wellness. We will build on our strong scientific foundation, while remaining deeply committed to the values that have guided Lycored for over 30 years."

CAPTEK Softgel International added two members to its executive leadership team: Brent Moore as Chief Operating Officer and Paul Anton as Chief Financial Officer. Moore, a former Executive Vice President of Operations at Merical and Global CEO of Freemen Nutra Group LLC brings over two decades of operational leadership and manufacturing expertise to the company. Anton joined the company in early 2025 from Calavo Growers. His industry experience includes financial leadership within the health and wellness industry, with a focus on team and systems building to help support sustainable expansion.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Brent and Paul to CAPTEK,” shared Brett Buatti, Chief Executive Officer of CAPTEK. “Brent’s deep operational expertise and our successful collaboration over the years give me tremendous confidence in his ability to elevate our operations and deliver on our strategic priorities. Paul’s strong financial and strategic background has already made a positive impact, and together they round out a high-caliber leadership team that positions CAPTEK for continued growth and excellence.”

Awards & Honors

The annual Organic Week conference took place in Washington, D.C. during the month of September. This year, Organic Trade Association (OTA) recognized the following eight industry leaders for driving and sustaining the growth of the organic industry on farms and in their communities, prioritizing the benefits to people and the planet, and their longstanding commitment to advancing the organic movement:

  • Organic Champion: The Honorable Russell Redding, Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture
  • Organic Lifetime Achievement: Albert Straus, Straus Family Creamery; and David Lively, Organically Grown Company  
  • Organic Farmers of the Year: Chris and Marcie Baugher, Baugher Ranch Organics
  • Organic Environmental Leadership: Charlotte Vallaeys, Principal, Vallaeys Consulting LLC    
  • Organic Trailblazer: Nicole Atchison, CEO, PURIS
  • Organic Social Impact: Tony Bedard, CEO, Frontier Co-op  

“This esteemed list is a testament to the inspirational leadership and innovation abundant in the organic industry, and we are extremely grateful for the unwavering passion and commitment of these award recipients,” shared Matthew Dillon, Co-CEO of Organic Trade Association. “We are proud to celebrate their significant achievements and look forward to their future contributions to drive the organic movement.”