September 2024 People News

Randy Rosinski is the new Chief Commercial Officer of Lief Labs. Based out of Lief's Valencia, California headquarters, the new CCO will lead the Sales and Marketing departments, manage sales strategies, market dynamics, and client relationships, while keeping the brand competitive and profitable. Rosinski has a degree in Marketing and Sales from California State Polytechnic University-Pamona, completed a Food Industry Management Program at Cornell University, and spent 26 years with Nestlé USA taking on various business leadership roles. Most recently, he held the Vice President, Sales position with Ferrara Candy Company. “I look forward to capitalizing on Lief Labs’ reputation for quality and innovation to scale our operations while delivering on the overall customer experience and partnership,” shared Rosinski.

Natural products industry veteran and master herbalist Jeffrey Burke, ND, is now the Director of Education for Kokora Life, a regenerative farming company with the health of the planet at its forefront. Kokora is formulating healthy solutions, not just making nutritional supplements, Dr. Burke says. Dr. Burke also launched the Honest Health with Jeffrey Burke podcast to educate, inform, entertain, engage with industry leaders, and share insights and expertise. Over the years, Dr. Burke has worked in every level on the retail side of this industry and has worked in all levels of management, advertisement, formulation and education. From running individual stores and chains of health food stores, to owning his own stores, he has been connected to the industry through all stages of its growth. Dr. Burke also is the writer of WholeFoods Magazine's popular Herb of the Month column.

Wild Planet has confirmed Clint Mickel as its Vice President of Marketing. With over 16 years of industry experience, Mickel has worked with industry-leading food companies, served as Senior Director of Brand Management at Vital Protein, and been General Manager at Sovos Brands for noosa and Birch Benders.  At Wild Planet, he will look to strengthen consumer connections, build brand awareness through marketing initiatives, drive innovation, and use key data to increase the company's overall performance. “We’re thrilled to welcome Clint to the Wild Planet leadership team as he will be integral in building upon our marketing efforts guided by our sustainability-driven mission,” expressed Executive Vice President and Country Manager, Tim Fiorino.

Sami-Sabinsa Group Executive Chairperson, Dr. Anju Majeed, has been chosen as the Co-Chair of the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) Karnataka State Development Council for 2024 - 2025. When addressing the council, Dr. Majeed shared her goal of utilizing women's full potential to increase their involvement in the corporate world and build a progressive society. “At the Sami-Sabinsa Group, women have taken on leadership responsibilities and are at the helm of our business on a global scale... They make up the majority of our research workforce, a domain that forms the centerpiece of our business," shared Dr. Majeed.

Dr. Devaraj Reddy has joined the Sami-Sabinsa Group as its new Chief Operating Officer. With a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Mysore, an understanding of research related to manufacturing of standardized herbal extracts and synthetic molecules catering to Global B2B product requirements in global markets, and experience managing cross-functional operations in a multi-site environment, developing cutting-edge plans to carry out manufacturing and quality operations for Nutraceuticals, Functional Foods & Cosmeceuticals industries, Dr. Reddy will be based out of the company's Peenya Corporate Office as he oversees the Unit Heads of all manufacturing facilities, Productions & Operations, and Exports & Commercials. Sabinsa Global Managing Director and CEO, Shaheen Majeed, expressed his regard for the new COO, “Dr. Devaraj’s scientific background coupled with business experience is an excellent fit for the Sami-Sabinsa Group. His strategic oversight will be pivotal in driving our organizational growth and operational excellence."

Robert Durkin has become the newest partner of Amin Wasserman Gurnani (AWG) and co-chair of its Regulatory Group. The former Acting Director for the FDA's Office of Dietary Supplement Programs will work alongside Regulatory Group team member, Rend Al-Mondhiry in Washington, D.C. Durkin was with the FDA for 12 years and served as Acting Director and Deputy Director of the Office of Dietary Supplement Programs (ODSP) in the FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN) where he dealt with policy analysis and evaluations across all aspects of the agency’s dietary supplement programs and lead programs on compliance and enforcement issues, such as Warning Letters, seizures, injunctions, and import detention/refusal. “AWG has a standout practice representing clients subject to FDA oversight... I look forward to strengthening the group’s powerhouse status alongside Rend. She builds and expands longstanding client relationships, and her entrepreneurial drive is second to none,” said Durkin.

Organic & Natural Health Association (O&N) has welcomed Mark Thurston, President of AIDP, Brian Terry, Senior Director of Sales at Nordic Naturals, Doug Lynch,CEO of MarketWell Nutrition, and Ray Martinez, President of Florida Supplement to its board. Todd Norton, VP of Business Development at AkerBioMarine and Alan Lewis, Director of Government Affairs and Food and Agriculture Policy for Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage have also signed on as Board President and Board Treasurer, respectively. “This represents another defining moment for O&N Health, reflecting our decade-long journey of growth and transformation,” shared CEO and executive director of O&N Health, Karen Howard.

Bob's Red Mill, have welcomed Daniel Barba as their new Vice President of Marketing. With nearly two decades of marketing experience, Barba has worked with food and consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies like Coca-Cola, Kashi, and Kellogg and will concentrate on expanding marketing channels and look to drive company sales. Barba, shared his thoughts on joining the employee owned company, “It’s a special opportunity to take a 46-year-old brand that is well-respected in the industry and find new ways to drive growth – especially with a new generation of consumers.”

Monish Patolawala is the new Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of ADM. Patolawala will oversee ADM's Global Finance and Accounting, Global Business Services, Global Technology and Enterprise Strategy. Prior to his most recent role as President and CFO of 3M Company, Mr. Patolawala spent over twenty years at GE in various finance roles including CFO of GE Healthcare from 2015 to 2020 and head of operational transformation for GE from 2019 to 2020. Patolawala expressed his gratitude for ADM and his new role, “It is an honor to join ADM as CFO at an important point in the Company’s trajectory. As a child growing up in India, I witnessed severe poverty and hunger firsthand, and that’s what makes me so passionate about the important work that ADM is doing to feed the world through its purpose of unlocking the power of nature to enrich the quality of life."

ChromaDex has appointed Carlos Lopez as its new Senior Vice President, General Counsel. Lopez, provided strategic legal guidance and management of corporate legal affairs as VP, General Counsel of The Vitamin Shoppe and he also served on the board of the Natural Products Association. At ChromaDex, he will focus on corporate governance, securities, the organization's legal function, intellectual property, and litigation. "I am excited to join ChromaDex, the gold-standard company pioneering NAD+ research and innovation. I look forward to working with the talented team at ChromaDex to support our growth and contribute to our mission of improving health and wellness globally," expressed the new leadership team member.

SCS Global Services has named Matthew Rudolf as its new President and Chief Executive Officer. Rudolf, a graduate of the University of Massachusetts, founding Executive Director of Piedmont Biofuels, former Director of Business Development and Director of the Americas for the multi-stakeholder Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials, and leader of business development and commercialization for The Earth Partners, was unanimously chosen by the company's Board of Directors. “As we pass the torch from company founder, Dr. Stanley Rhodes, who built the company from the ground up with a pioneering vision, singular talent, and dedication to protecting people and the planet, the Board is confident that Matt has what it takes to successfully lead SCS through the next chapter of its growth and service,” said Jim Knutzon, Chairman of the Board and outgoing Acting CEO.

Arun Nair is the Chief Commercial Officer of Stratum Nutrition. Nair will be spearheading the company's commercial strategy, drive business development, and expand the brand's market presence. Having previously served as the President and CEO of AstaReal, the new COO will focus on growth and providing customers with high-quality, science-backed ingredients. "We are thrilled to welcome Arun Nair to the Stratum Nutrition team... His leadership and deep understanding of the nutraceutical industry align perfectly with our mission to deliver innovative health solutions. Arun's expertise will be invaluable as we continue to grow and expand," commented President and CEO of Stratum Nutrition, Micah Osborne.

Rodale Institute has announced Christa Barfield, Founder and CEO of FarmerJawn; Brian Lenhart, Vice President of Global Talent Acquisition Strategy, Marketing, and Workforce Planning, American Express; Dr. Scott Stoll, international leader in lifestyle medicine and whole food plant-based nutrition; and Bill Wolf, President, CEO, and Founder of Wolf & Associates as the four newest members of its Board of Directors. Rodale Institute CEO, Jeff Tkach, shared the company's excitement for the new appointees, “Their diverse and valuable points of view will help guide Rodale Institute as we continue in our mission to grow the organic movement through research, farmer training and technical assistance, and consumer education.”

Joe Stanziano is the new CEO of Traditional Medicinals. A former Senior Vice President & General Manager of The J.M. Smucker Company Coffee Division, Stanziano spent 27 years with the company working in its coffee, peanut butter, and consumer foods sectors. Currently, he serves on the Board of Directors at Ocean Mist Farms fresh produce. As CEO, he will continue to drive the company's purpose-driven mission and lead a strategic growth plan to advance its leadership position within herbal wellness. “I have been inspired by the products, people, and philosophy of this company, and am grateful for the opportunity to continue supporting its impressive legacy. I look forward to maintaining a culture of collaboration, building meaningful, long-term relationships, and leading with an authenticity that mirrors the core pillars of Traditional Medicinals," said Stanziano.

Senior Vice President of Global Sales for Catania Oils, Mark Coleman, has joined the North American Olive Oil Association (NAOOA) Executive Committee. Coleman will serve as the organization's Treasurer and oversee the collection of membership fees, develop budgets for key initiatives, manage cash flow, and educate other members on the financial health of the organization. “Our top priority is to drive olive oil consumption here in the U.S. and I am looking forward to sharing my experience, servant leadership approach and industry knowledge with NAOOA members... It’s a career highlight to be named to the executive committee of such a prestigious industry organization. I am humbled and honored," shared the new appointee.

Amanda Jepson is the new President of Biova, LLC. The former Vice President of Business Development was promoted to President at the end of July. In her new role, she will spearhead the company's strategic initiatives and oversee operations for all departments. Jepson holds a Master of Business Administration from Saint Martin's University and joined Biova, LLC in 2017. Chairman and CEO of Biova, BJ Baker shared his support for the promotion, “Amanda’s dedication to Biova over the last 7 years has been outstanding. During that time, she has been instrumental not only in Sales and Marketing activities, but actively working with the Operations and Quality departments to improve internal processes and increase the effective collaborations within the various teams."

Dr. Bronner's has promoted five of its department heads to Vice President positions:

• Marc DeRosa, Vice President of Sales
• Ryan Fletcher, Vice President of Public Relations
• Bertine Kabellis, Vice President of Engagement
• Darcy Shiber-Knowles, Vice President Operational Sustainability & Innovation
• Lilia Vergara, Vice President Human Resources

Each newly appointed VP has had a long tenure with the company and been leaders in their respective departments, contributing to the company's overall growth. “In their new roles, each of these leaders will continue to lead their departments and advise on Dr. Bronner’s executive council, which is comprised of representatives of the company’s senior leadership and guides the company’s decisions, operations, growth, and development, while protecting Dr. Bronner’s mission and values," shared David Bronner, Cosmic Engagement Officer (CEO) of Dr. Bronner.

BIOHM Health Inc., has named Kristin Wilhoyte as its Vice President of B2B Marketing. Wilhoyte will look to establish and grow BIOHM's business-to-business platform of microbiome technologies, including ingredients, gut health test kits and data-driven supplement formulations. Prior to joining BIOHM, Wilhoyte was the Director of Marketing at Deerland Probiotics and Enzymes. A position she maintained after the company was acquired by ADM's Health & Wellness division in 2021. “BIOHM's foundation in robust science and culture of innovation make it an exciting place to be, and I'm delighted to be part of its promising future,” shared the new VP.

Holly Knightly has taken over as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Circana. The current Executive Vice President of Global Finance, Performance, and Transformation will be taking over for Anne Bramman as head of the company's global finance and strategy organization and oversee planning, strategizing, accounting, treasury, tax, reporting, and investor relations. “It is an honor to serve as CFO at such an important moment in Circana’s continued evolution as a unified organization,” said Knightly. 

Awards & Honors

American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) President, Michael McGuffin, has been honored as 2024 NutraChampion by NutraIngredients-USA. Recognized for his exceptional leadership, commitment, and contributions to the dietary supplements and natural products industry, McGuffin was recognized at the annual NutraIngredients-USA Awards event held this year in Chicago. 

Greg Horn received the prestigious NBJ Lifetime Achievement Award at this year's NBJ Summit. The award, which celebrates individuals who have made significant contributions to the natural products industry over their 30 year minimum career, was presented to Horn in front of over 450 of his industry colleagues. Throughout his career, Horn has helped transform the the nutrition industry with his visionary leadership, commitment to enhance health and drive innovation. Currently, the best-selling author of “Living Green” (2005), and “Living Well” (2016) holds a Managing Director role with William Hood & Company, a boutique investment bank focused on healthy living, and as founder and CEO of Specialty Nutrition Consulting. 

“When I was 15 years old, I read a book called ‘Sugar Blues’ that encouraged me to reduce sugar, and this lifestyle change made me feel so much better that it sparked a lifelong fascination with the idea that health can be strongly influenced by nutrition... I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to contribute to an industry that has so much potential to improve human health.”