Product, Brand & Innovation Executive / CEO Candidate

SEEKING A ROLE AS: CEO or Senior Product & Operations Leader or a small or mid-sized food processing company in the start-up or growth phase. Skilled in the functional beverage industry, specifically kombucha and functional beverages with transferrable expertise across better-for-you CPG categories. Open to roles in Brand Marketing leadership or Operations improvement. Skilled in Co-manufacturing selection as well as plant set-up and design.

IN LOCATION: Currently living in Colorado and planning a move to Central Coast California – Ventura, Santa Barbara, or Los Angeles areas.

SKILLS & ACHIEVEMENTS:
Product-driven CPG leader with 13 years of experience in the beverage and consumer product categories. Specializes in brand building, product innovation, and scaling startups from concept through national retail distribution. Expertise includes bridging creative product development with effective distribution strategies, launching multiple SKUs, and managing cross-functional teams across operations, marketing, and supply chain.

Particularly interested in roles focused on product innovation, brand architecture, operational design, and scalable systems — with less emphasis on capital fundraising.

– Skilled in product formulation, patent filings, and portfolio expansion, with a proven track record of raising $13 million in private investment to support innovation and scale.
– Managed teams of up to 100 staff members across product development, manufacturing, business development, and operations.
– Oversaw revenue growth from early startup phases to nearly $15 million annually through successful retail expansion.
– Classically trained in brand architecture, supply chain management, vendor negotiation, and retail execution.

EDUCATION: Bachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Ph.D. in Media Philosophy from The European Graduate School in Switzerland.

COMPENSATION: Base salary expectation is a minimum of $125,000, plus incentives, depending on responsibilities and location. Has been earning more, but is flexible on base salary depending on scope, team, structure, and long-term growth opportunity.

If you are interested in speaking with this Marketing / Manufacturing Operations / Innovation / C-Suite leader who:
– Is looking to lead a team and help your business grow as a “Systems Thinker” who is skilled a problem-solving and identifies process improvements,
– Is looking to help you grow and scale your brand, beverage or otherwise, by leveraging extensive experience in product innovation, brand growth, and operational excellence,
– Is capable of developing new product lines, streamlining manufacturing, and positioning the business for disciplined, strategic growth then…
Contact:
Laurie Hyllberg
laurieh@kinsa.com
Worksite Preference:Open
Employment Preference:Permanent