Jason Buechel

Whole Foods Market CEO Jason Buechel has been named vice president for worldwide grocery stores for Amazon, a newly created role within the company. Amazon currently runs over 500 Whole Foods locations across the U.S., U.K. and Canada with Buechel overseeing most of the company's grocery stores. As VP for worldwide grocery stores he will overlook the Amazon Fresh traditional supermarket chain and Amazon Go convenience stores. “This expanded responsibility gives me an opportunity to look after the collective grocery offering across Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market, Amazon Go and Grocery Partnerships — and help move forward our goal of making grocery shopping simpler, faster, and more affordable for customers,” said Buechel.

Sabinsa has promoted Jan Obirek to VP of Sales US & Canada and Asha Ramesh to CEO Americas which now includes South America. Ramesh, the former Sabinsa Vice President of Business Development, joined the company three decades ago and holds a bachelor’s degree in science and an MBA specializing in marketing management from Bangalore University, India. Obirek has a BA in Economics from the University of Colorado in Boulder, CO, experience with consumer packaged goods and ingredient sales for branded and private label products, and joined Sabinsa in 2015 as Regional Sales Manager. “Both Asha and Jan have consistently shown exceptional commitment and expertise in supporting our customers’ needs and driving innovative solutions. Their longstanding contributions have played a vital role in Sabinsa’s success, and we are confident they will bring even greater impact in their elevated roles,” said Shaheen Majeed, Global CEO & Managing Director of Sabinsa. “I congratulate them both on their advancement, and look forward to their future achievements.”

Devin Stagg

Devin Stagg is the new President of PLT Health Solutions, Inc. A B.A. in Economics graduate of the College of Arts & Sciences at Cornell University and a graduate of the Program for Leadership Development at Harvard Business School, Stagg worked in equity capital markets for Citigroup Global Capital Markets before joining PLT in 2011 having served as Chief Operating Officer for the last six years. As President, Stagg will focus on PLT's next phase of growth and help usher in the next generation of cutting-edge, science-backed solutions to help shape the future of consumer health and wellness. "As an industry, we have entered into an era with a new level of need for innovation. With new consumers, new channels, new attitudes, and new technology, innovation isn’t just a market orientation anymore – it is our product. A 2022 report by McKinsey stated that by 2026, more than 50% of global revenues would come from products and services that did not exist in 2022. In the natural products business, this trend may be even more pronounced,” said Stagg. “At PLT, we’ve built a platform with some of the most talented professionals in the industry, many with extensive consumer product expertise. That platform features a highly curated portfolio of best-in-class, scientifically supported ingredients, specifically developed to help consumer brands innovate and deliver effective, experiential health solutions. I am honored to take on the role of President and excited to lead this exceptional team into the future.”

Dr. H.N. Shivaprasad

Botanic Healthcare has promoted Dr. H.N. Shivaprasad (Dr. Shiv) to Chief Scientific Officer (CSO). The Johns Hopkins University, USA, and University of Colombo, Sri Lanka, "Young Scientist" award recipient joined Botanic Healthcare in 2023 as Director of Global Business Development and will now focus on all scientific initiatives including global innovation programs. Gaurav Soni, Managing Director at Botanic Healthcare, commented on Shivaprasad's new role, “Elevating Dr. Shiv to the role of Chief Scientific Officer underscores our focus on science-driven innovation. His exceptional credentials and dedication position us to further solidify our global leadership in natural specialty ingredients.”

Whitney Clapper is now the Executive Director of the Farmhand Foundation. The Patagonia alum helped the company launch the Footprint Chronicles, Patagonia Provisions, and the Regenerative Organic Alliance programs and will now preside over the foundation's operations and work closely with local growers and stakeholders to advance the organizations corporate mission. "Farmhand has already given me a sense of returning home," shared Clapper. "The opportunity to work with growers, the local Chumash, and the greater community while honoring the land and contributing to a more sustainable and just food system feels like a natural extension of my life's work. I look forward to building on the incredible foundation that's been laid and creating lasting change for growers and the land."

Dr. Nontokozo Felicity Yusuff

Atlantia Clinical Trials has selected Dr. Nontokozo Felicity Yusuff as their newest Study Doctor. With clinical expertise in pediatrics, geriatrics, and general adult medicine, additional experience in gynecology and performing minor surgical procedures, Dr. Yusuff will serve as a valuable asset for international sponsors. An IMC-registered medical professional certified in Good Clinical Practice (ICH-GCP) and Advanced Cardiac Life support (ACLS), Dr. Yusuff has served as Principal Investigator and Sub-Investigator on global clinical trials across multiple therapeutic areas, including vaccine research and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and has been involved in preparing for and supporting regulatory inspections, including audits by the FDA and South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA), ensuring the delivery of high-quality data and compliance. “Dr. Yusuff’s broad clinical expertise and proven research leadership make her an excellent addition to Atlantia Clinical Trials,” shared Barry Skillington, Chief Commercial Officer at Atlantia Clinical Trials. “Her experience working with diverse patient groups and her ability to navigate regulatory complexities will support sponsors in achieving success in European and American markets.”

Tim Doelman has joined the Board of Directors at The Fresh Factory B.C. Ltd. With over 30 years of food and beverage manufacturing industry experience, Doelman is a founding member of fairlife, LLC, where he also served as its Chief Operating Officer and Chief Executive Officer. "I'm thrilled to join The Fresh Factory's Board of Directors during this exciting time in the Company's journey," commented the new board member. "The Company's innovative approach to creating clean-label, better-for-you products is something I'm truly passionate about. With the growing demand for healthier food and beverages, I'm eager to help the team expand its impact and continue pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the industry."

Kathleen O'Brien

Seventh Generation has named Kathleen O'Brien as its new Chief Executive Officer. This appointment marks O'Brien's second tenure with the company, the former Vice President of Sales and North America CEO of Weleda, will direct her attention towards accelerating growth, recruiting new consumers, advancing innovation and continue the company's mission of creating a healthier, more sustainable and equitable future. “Seventh Generation has always been bigger than the products it makes – with a steadfast commitment to standards, sustainability and as a champion B-Corp. I’ve carried its values with me throughout my career as a leader in mission-driven business,” shared the new CEO. “I’m honored to take on this role to bring new growth and innovation to the green cleaning category while also championing our mission.”

Kerry Group shared news of several senior executive appointments:

• Oliver Kelly has been named Group Chief Commercial Officer. Kelly will be based out of Kerry's US headquarters in Beloit, WI, and lead the company's global marketing team and global growth accounts.
• John Cahalane will take over for Kelly as President and CEO of Kerry North America overseeing innovation in Kerry's largest market with 50 manufacturing sites and over 6,000 employees.
• Peter Dillane replaces Cahalane as President and CEO of Kerry APMEA. Dilliane will focus on expanding the company's footprint while utilizing local and global expertise and resources to better support new and existing customers.

Edmond Scanlon, CEO of Kerry Group, shared his thoughts on the new appointments, “Oliver, John and Peter along with their respective teams have a wealth of industry knowledge and expertise, partnering with our customers to address consumers’ needs, and to support further growth for the company. I wish them, and Malcolm, all the best for this next phase of their careers."

NutriFusion is welcoming Michelle Bacarella, MS RDN, to its leadership team as its new Head of Product Development and Innovation. Bacarella will support the brands expansion into the whole food/plant-based sector and use her expertise in functional nutrition and product formulation to drive NutriFuion's leadership role within the plant-based nutrition sector. “What excites me the most about joining NutriFusion is having the opportunity to leverage the experience I’ve cultivated in working with these powerful ingredients,” said Bacarella. “As a functional food and supplement formulator focused on clean plant-based ingredients, I’ve been working with NutriFusion’s unique blends for over 15 years, and I believe their fruit and vegetable blends are the nutritional gold standard.” Bacarella's industry experience includes nutrition counseling, product formulation, leadership roles, and conducting groundbreaking research on phytonutrients' role in sports performance and chronic disease management.

The Organic Trade Association (OTA) is welcoming two new vice presidents. Ivanna Yang and Matt Landi have signed on to be the association's new Vice president of Government Affairs and Vice President of Industry Relations, respectively. As representatives of organic businesses and producers across the nation, OTA will look to Yang to work with DC coalition partners, other agriculture associations, lawmakers and policy makers to advance and grow organic agriculture while leading their legislative advocacy efforts in achieving organic priorities in appropriations, the farm bill, and tax and trade policies. Landi will be responsible for the team that guides OTA's sector councils namely Produce, Fiber, Dairy, Grains, Dietary Supplements, and Wine, with a new Poultry Council on the way and oversee membership engagement, events, and membership-related communications and marketing. “Bringing these two outstanding and experienced individuals into our leadership team will greatly enhance our work to advocate for organic farmers and businesses, and to better serve our members. We are thrilled to have Ivanna and Matt on our team,” expressed Co-CEO of OTA, Matthew Dillon.

Crispy Green has hired James Curley of JFC Market Management, Inc., as Fractional VP of Sales. Curley will lead the the company's sales strategy, oversee sales operations, foster customer relationships, look to optimize their sales team and broker network to execute challenging growth goals. Crispy Green will look to Curley to lead their market presence expansion efforts, drive revenue growth, and strengthen their position as a category leader. Curley has more than 40 years of experience in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry having held leadership roles at Springfield Creamery, The Tofurky Company, Nutpods, Mamma Chia, Giorgio Foods, and Premier Valley Foods, and having launched and scaled startups such as Lesser Evil Snacks, Good Earth Teas, Overlake Foods, Modern Foods, and MexiSnax. "I'm honored to work alongside Angela and her exceptional team to expand Crispy Green's market presence. The Crispy Fruit products are a perfect blend of innovation and simple ingredients—and they're absolutely delicious! I'm excited to help more people discover their next favorite snack brand! – Crispy Green!" declared the exec.

Drew Martin has joined the Little Sesame as its new Chief Commercial Officer. Martin, who previously worked as Director of Sales for Chobani and served as EVP Commercial at Oatly North America, has over ten years of experience scaling operations, driving revenue growth, and redefining categories. In his new role, Martin will oversee commercialization strategy, all sales channels, and in-store marketing. “I’m thrilled to join Little Sesame and build on the incredible foundation Nick, Ronen, and the team have created,” expressed Martin. “With chef-driven food, best-in-class sourcing, and a passionate team, I’m excited to lead the charge as we reshape the hummus category and continue to bring bold, innovative products to consumers nationwide.”

Brian Sorenson is the new Chief Sales Officer of Deep Indian Kitchen. An industry veteran, Sorenson has been involved in driving sales and growth for startups as well as multi-billion-dollar global brands and was most recently Head of Sales & Business Development at Factory LLC, Executive Vice President of Sales & Enterprise Client Services at Advantage Solutions, and Vice Presides of Sales for the frozen Pizza & Snacks Division of Nestle and PowerBar. In the newly created role, Sorenson will support the Deep Indian Kitchen's growth in the frozen category. “Deep Indian Kitchen is at a pivotal point in its growth journey...The brand’s commitment to delivering authentic Indian flavors has resonated with consumers and customers nationwide, and I’m thrilled to help accelerate its expansion and collaborate with its retailer, broker and distributor partners to grow the category as Deep assumes a leadership role. The brand has tremendous growth trajectory and an incredible team that I am honored to be a part of and help take to the next level," explained the new CSO. 

Awards & Honors

Front row, far right, Shaheen Majeed receiving honorary doctorate.The University of Mysore presented Shaheen Majeed, Global CEO and Managing Director of Sabinsa, with an honorary doctorate. The Honoris Causa (D.Litt.) of the University of Mysore in Research and Innovation was given to Majeed during the University's 105th Annual Convocation at the University in Mysuru, India. Established in 1916, the University is the sixth oldest college in the country, and the first to be established outside of British administration. “This recognition stands as one of the most meaningful moments of my life, and I am deeply humbled,” commented Majeed on the academic degree. “To be honored by one of India’s most esteemed universities was profoundly inspiring, and I am committed to upholding the values it represents. I fondly recall the days when my father took me into rooms where he engaged in discussions with scientists. Being immersed in the company of such brilliant minds and soaking up their knowledge has shaped my journey in ways I never could have anticipated.”