Vitaquest International LLC, has announced Tim Condron as its new Chief Executive Officer. A trained chemical engineer with qualifications in management accounting, Condron counts on over two decades of executive leadership experience. During his tenure as President and Chief Operating Officer of BestCo Inc., Condron led the company's strategic transformation initiative and oversaw reengineering quality systems, the upgrading of operational processes across multiple sites, and the building of a supply chain infrastructure to support a more complex regulatory environment. “Vitaquest has built a strong reputation for quality, innovation, and partnership across the supplement industry,” said Condron. “As we move forward, our focus is clear: putting our customers at the center of everything we do, delivering disruptive innovation that fuels their growth, and continuing to build a workplace where our people can thrive. I look forward to working closely with our customers and our team to shape the next chapter of Vitaquest’s success.”

Bioriginal has named Randy Fournier as President and CEO. An experienced global executive with three decades of multi-site manufacturing and processing industry knowledge, Fournier has led operational transformation and organizational scaling initiatives for organizations operating within North American and international markets. "I am honored to take on this role at Bioriginal and to work alongside such a capable and dedicated global team,” said Fournier. “Bioriginal will continue to invest in expanding capacity, enhancing product quality, and improving operational efficiency. With a connected global platform spanning ingredient sourcing to finished formats, Bioriginal is well positioned to deliver innovative, high-quality solutions to its partners across the human and animal nutrition industries.”

Sebastian Nummelin is the new APAC Regional Director at Clasado Biosciences. He will work with formulators and brands to help drive uptake of Bimuno GOS and focus on expanding the company's reach across the Asia-Pacific region. With nearly 20 years of sales, market development, and commercial partnership experience within the biotics industry, Nummelin is well versed in commercial operations throughout South-East Asia, China, Japan, Australia and New Zealand.

“Consumer interest in gut health across Asia-Pacific is growing rapidly, and the industry is innovating at pace to meet that demand," said Nummelin. "What attracted me to Clasado is the depth of science behind Bimuno GOS. As the most studied prebiotic of its kind, it gives formulators something genuinely compelling to build around, and that scientific credibility is a real differentiator in this market. I look forward to working with the wider Clasado team to deepen relationships with existing partners and develop new ones across the region. The opportunity here is significant, and I’m excited to get started.”

Saanroo is expanding its leadership team:

• Pavitra Viswanath, Director of Clinical Affairs, will oversee global clinical research while assisting the development, execution, and translation of studies throughout Saanroo's ingredient portfolio. 
• Liza Pepple, Sales Director, Southeast, brings over 20 years of food, beverage, and nutrition industry expertise having led the Juice Plus+ product team and helped launch clinical studied products designed to improve health and wellness.

• Ezra Jones Sales Director, Northeast, has more than 14 years of nutraceutical industry experience, Jones has launched new business divisions, supported international supplier entry into the U.S. market, and built high-value pipelines through customer-focused sales strategies.

“These appointments reflect Saanroo’s continued investment in growth, innovation, and scientific excellence as we expand our reach and deepen support for brand partners,” shared John Quilter, CEO of Saanroo. “Pavitra, Liza, and Ezra each bring valuable expertise, strong leadership, and a deep understanding of what it takes to support customers, advance innovation, and strengthen our position in the market.”

Andreas Baller is the new General Manager of the European region of iHerb. Reporting to iHerb CEO Emun Zabihi, Baller will oversee the company’s European strategy, focusing on accelerating growth, optimizing cross-border operations, strengthening logistics capabilities and expanding partnerships across the region. Baller has 20 years of international leadership experience across eCommerce, strategy and logistics in Europe and Asia. During his 10 year tenure with DHL Global Forwarding, Baller assumed several regional commercial and strategy roles across the Philippines, Japan and Singapore. Most recently, the new GM served as General Manager and Head of Marketplace Sweden at Amazon. “I’m excited to join iHerb and support the company’s continued expansion in Europe,” shared Baller. “iHerb has built a global eCommerce platform serving millions of customers in 180 countries, and I look forward to working with the team to amplify the company’s presence and deliver a trusted and high-quality experience for customers and partners across Europe.”

Barentz has elected Sebastian Jakob as its new Vice President Human Nutrition EMEA. A global food ingredients industry veteran, Jakob first joined the company in 2020 as its Sales Director, Central and Eastern Europe. As VP, Jakob will provide overall strategic direction for the Human Nutrition division across EMEA and lead the regional sales organization with a focus on strengthening principal partnerships, optimizing the product portfolio, and building a culture of ownership and accountability. "I am grateful for the trust and excited about what lies ahead," said Jakob. "My priority across EMEA will be to unlock its significant growth potential by sharpening our structures, accelerating sales, and empowering our people to perform at their best."

Kemin Industries is adding three new team members to its technical services team:

• Technical Services Manager for Proteins, Rebecca Furbeck will support customers with ingredient performance, product development, and process troubleshooting. 

• Technical Services Associate, Lizzy Flanagen will assist customers with plant trials, application testing, and project tracking.

• Technical Services Associate, Dan Ryan will focus on antioxidants and help manage applications in sauces, dressings, fats, oils, beverages, snacks, and fried foods.

The new colleagues will serve as liaisons between the business unit’s customers, laboratories, and sales teams, ensuring cohesive collaboration to help customers successfully and effectively implement products. “Rebecca, Dan, and Lizzy are tremendous assets to the Kemin team of technical experts, and we are excited about what this highly skilled and deeply knowledgeable group will accomplish,” said Daniel Pompeu, Sales Director, Kemin Food Technologies – North America. “As we continue to strengthen our technical capabilities, these new team members share diverse industry expertise and a commitment to improving life by providing the highest-quality food products, formulated with scientifically proven ingredients. Their experience and dedication will help drive innovation and ensure we continue delivering best-in-class solutions and support to our customers.”

Buck Foley is joining The Shelton Group to support the company in its development of integrated content and visibility strategies. Foley will focus on marketing, content, client visibility on social media on platforms like LinkedIn, and AI search work. With communications strategies throughout the natural products industry seeing significant shifts in approach, the new hire will look to usher in The Shelton Group's next era of client services which will include Content Strategy and Production and AEO/SEO incorporation.

Foley is the son of Shelton Group founder, Suzanne Shelton. “I grew up around this industry and the work my mother has done to support it, so it means a lot to me to be able to contribute to that same effort,” said Buck. “To work alongside her in helping companies communicate their value with clarity, credibility, and relevance in an ever-changing digital landscape means we can enable The Shelton Group’s clients and their products to be found in new spaces where buying decisions are increasingly made.”

Sabinsa has promoted Madhu Subramanian to Chief Operating Officer. Entering his 34th year with the Sami-Sabinsa Group, the new COO will continue to oversee the day-to-day global operations of the company, while taking on expanded responsibilities for organizational alignment, cross-functional leadership, and the execution of the company’s long-term strategic vision. Subramanian joined Sami-Sabinsa Group in 1993 and will retain his position as Executive Director. He currently serves on the boards of numerous companies within the Sami-Sabinsa Group and is a Trustee of the Dr. Majeed Foundation, a public trust dedicated to education, women’s empowerment, healthcare, disaster relief, and social services. “It is a true privilege to spend 34 years with an organization that shares my passion for excellence and impact,” said Subramanian. “I am honored by this opportunity and deeply committed to driving Sabinsa’s continued growth and operational success on the global stage.”

Sol-ti is expanding its leadership team with the promotion of five members:

• Julia Cain, Vice President of Operations. With extensive food and beverage scaling production system experience, Cain has held roles with M2 Ingredients and OM Mushroom.
• Steven Cosgrove, Vice President of Innovation and Marketing. A tenured member of Sol-ti, Cosgrove was previously President of National Accounts.
• Clay Lichterman, Vice President of Business Development. Lichterman is a foodservice executive veteran with 25 years of experience in commercial sales and channel development. 
• Mark Putnam, Vice President of Coffee and Cafe Channel Development. Putnam will leverage his food, beverage and cafe-driven growth experience to support the company's initiatives.
• John Rossi, Senior Director of Supply Chain. A 15 year end-to-end operations expert, Rossi will focus on strengthening vendor partnerships and building long‑term supply chain infrastructure.

"Our mission at Sol-ti is to reach all walks of life delivering the nutrients, minerals and hydration people need every day. This leadership team brings the experience to help us grow thoughtfully while staying true to the customer-first standards that define our brand," said Ryne O'Donnell, founder and chairman of Sol-ti.

Schuman Cheese has appointed Allison Schuman as Chief Executive Officer. Neal Schuman has been named Chairman and will continue to deliver strategic oversight and guidance while Ian Schuman will lead the company's global expansion as President of Global, overseeing all import and export operations within the Global Business Unit and advancing Schuman Cheese’s international growth strategy. Keith Schuman will continue to lead domestic production, plant-based initiatives and Lake Country Dairy operations while advancing key strategic initiatives across the organization.

“I have had the privilege of learning this business from the inside out,” said Schuman. “This transition is about honoring the foundation that has carried us for more than eight decades while building the leadership structure and governance needed for the future. Our strength has always been our unity as a family and our shared commitment to protecting what makes this company special while responsibly growing it for the generations ahead.”

PhenOlives has appointed Itzik Saig as its Chairman of the Board. The former Nestlé Israel CEO will look to guide the company as it enters its next stage of growth following its recent investment from OurCrowd fundraising. With significant experience in the global food and consumer-goods industries, Saig will leverage his expertise in manufacturing, supply chain, and global growth to contribute to the company's advancement of its commercialization strategy.

“PhenOlives has demonstrated a scalable, proven solution to one of the olive industry’s most persistent operational challenges,” said Saig. “Having spent decades in the food industry, I have seen very few innovations with the potential to reshape an entire value chain the way olive flour can. Transforming a long‑standing waste challenge into a high‑quality, nutritional ingredient is not only a breakthrough in sustainability, but a real commercial opportunity for mills, manufacturers, and consumers worldwide. I look forward to helping guide the company as we scale this important technology across global markets."

Rosaura Quesada is now the International Sales and Marketing Manager at Butter Buds Inc. With a proven track record of leading commercial and technical teams, driving business growth and fostering customer-centric partnerships while working with global suppliers across Central America, Quesada will focus on positioning sales strategies with marketing initiatives to boost brand awareness and drive revenue growth throughout the LATAM region. Formerly with Univar Solutions, Quesada holds a degree in food science from the University of Costa Rica, a master’s degree in industrial engineering from Interamerican University – Laureate International Universities and a Master of Business Administration with a focus on project management. She spent 16 years as Regional Business Unit Manager for Chemsol and has over 20 years experience working with Butter Buds' distributor in Central America. 

Specialty Nutrition has confirmed Alejandra Gratson, Ph.D., has joined the organization as Managing Partner. With 20 years of experience leading product development and innovation across dietary supplements, functional foods, and consumer healthcare, Gratson will concentrate on advising clients on portfolio development, formulation, clinical strategy, and bringing science-led nutrition technologies to market amid increasing demand for efficacy, transparency, and speed. Gratson has held leadership roles with Reckitt and Designs for Health and Pfizer Consumer Healthcare and her work spans the full product lifecycle, including technology assessment, concept development, positioning, formulation, clinical trial strategy and design, regulatory alignment, and commercialization.

Jordan Iglesias is the new Chief Sales Officer for DryWater. A 20-year CPG veteran, Iglesias has held Senior Sales positions with PepsiCo and Congo Brands (PRIME, Lunchly, Alani Nu). The new CSO will lean on his revenue growth and process optimization knowledge to help the clean-label hydration company continue its retail growth initiative.

Awards & Honors

The Women In Nutraceuticals (WIN) Board of Directors welcomed Ewa Hudson and Petra Erlandson as newly elected members. Unveiled during the WIN Summit event, the occasion also celebrated Mary Ann Nation-Greenwall, recipient of the second edition of the WIN Heroine Award, which celebrates exceptional commitment to advancing women, fostering community, and driving meaningful change within the nutraceutical ecosystem and beyond.

Nation-Greenwall is an accomplished nonprofit and organizational leader whose career spans education, community development, and strategic operations. She has held leadership roles at Youth for Understanding, AFS Intercultural Programs and the Pasadena Humane Society, and is currently Director of Human Resources & Goodwill at Artemis International, as well as an active member of WIN.

“Mary Ann exemplifies the spirit of the WIN Heroine Award," said Rebecca Takemoto, Executive Director of WIN. "Her career reflects a deep commitment to service, leadership, and creating opportunities for others to thrive. She has made a lasting impact across multiple communities, and we are proud to recognize her contributions.”

Professor Anna-Rita Bilia, Ph.D., is the latest recipient of ABC’s 2026 Norman R. Farnsworth Excellence in Botanical Research Award. The award, which is named in honor of internationally respected professor Norman R. Farnsworth, Ph.D. (1930–2011), to an individual who has made significant research contributions in pharmacognosy (the study of drugs of natural origin, usually from plants), ethnobotany, ethnopharmacology, or other scientific disciplines related to medicinal plants. A chemistry professor at the University of Florence in Italy and director of its postgraduate School of Hospital Pharmacy, Bilia was recognized internationally for her extensive research on medicinal plant extracts, biopharmaceuticals, and innovative drug delivery systems.

“I am honored and delighted to be selected as the recipient of the ABC Norman R. Farnsworth Excellence in Botanical Research Award,” wrote Bilia in an award acceptance email. “This recognition is especially meaningful to me because Professor Farnsworth was one of the giants in medicinal plant research, and his work represents many important milestones in pharmacognosy.”

The 2026 ABC Grants Mark Blumenthal Herbal Community Builder Award was presented to herbalist, educator, and author Kathi Keville. The director of the American Herb Association (AHA), founder of the Green Medicine Herb School, and a founding member of United Plant Savers and the American Herbalists Guild, Keville  has written more than 150 articles, 17 books, and five book chapters on herbs, essential oils, and herb gardening and is also the host of the Garden Forum Show, a monthly radio program where she takes listener questions and discusses medicinal and aromatic plants.

Named after ABC Founder and Executive Director Mark Blumenthal, The ABC Blumenthal Award is given out every year to individuals who have played a significant role in creating a sense of connection and community among herbalists, botanical researchers, members of the herb and natural products communities and industries, and others who have exhibited leadership qualities in the areas of medicinal and aromatic plants. “I’m surprised and delighted to receive this award from the distinguished American Botanical Council,” said Keville. “It’s an honor being recognized as an herbalist. It’s been a great job and a wonderful opportunity to help others. I also love being connected to nature since plants are the true healers.”

Founder and CEO of Bitchin' Sauce, Starr Edwards, was named to Inc.’s 2026 Female Founders 500 list. The author of the Sauced: 30 Bitchin' Bowls cookbook, Edwards has expanded her company nationwide, continuing to grow its footprint across retail, foodservice, and community partnerships. Each year, Inc. recognizes dynamic women business leaders throughout the country. Inc.'s editors assess Founders on both quantitative performance metrics, including revenue growth, funding, sales, and audience size, as well as qualitative factors such as innovation, social impact, and brand momentum. “Being named to the Inc. Female Founders 500 is such an honor,” shared Edwards. “Building Bitchin’ Sauce has always been about following instincts, staying scrappy, and sharing good food with good people. It’s inspiring to be recognized alongside so many passionate and innovative women.”

Rachel Kulchin of Blue Heron Farm has been recognized with The Good Farmer Award U.S. The second recipient of the annual award, Kulchin was recognized as an outstanding farmer making positive environmental and social contributions to agriculture through regenerative organic practices. The founder of Blue Heron Farm in Bishop, California, stood out for her commitment to building food security, biodiversity and soil health in an area known for having a fragile agricultural infrastructure and nearly all food is imported.  "I am standing behind a belief that feels both stubborn and bold," said Kulchin. "The recognition through the Good Farmer Award affirms the work we are doing to build something different in Eastern Sierra. Our goal is not just to grow food, but to demonstrate that regenerative agriculture can thrive in challenging climates and build the resilience our valley desperately needs. This award will be transformational for Blue Heron Farm and for our community."