Guayakí Appoints Robyn Lawrie Rutledge as Interim Chief Executive Officer
Category-Leading Company Positioned for its Next Phase of Growth
VENICE, Calif., Nov. 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Guayakí Yerba Mate ("Guayakí"), the category leader in yerba mate, today announced that Robyn Rutledge, a member of the Company's Board of Directors, will assume the role of Interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Stefan Kozak, who has served as CEO since 2021, is stepping down from the role. Guayakí has begun a comprehensive search for a new CEO.
"Guayakí is at the forefront of the yerba mate beverage industry, and we are embarking on an exciting new chapter of expansion," said Chris Mann, co-founder and Chairman of Guayaki. "With her deep understanding of our business as a board member since 2020, we are delighted to have Robyn guide the company. Her leadership will play a pivotal role in building our brand, product innovation, and broadening our reach through expanded distribution."
Mr. Mann continued, "On behalf of the Board, I'd like to thank Stefan for his many positive contributions, particularly for his support in building our team and critical infrastructure."
Ms. Rutledge is a successful investor and operator with more than two decades of experience in food, beverage, wellness and other segments of the consumer industry. She is the Founder & CEO of SBG Growth, a consumer-focused investment and advisory business, and was previously a Partner at TSG Consumer Partners, a leading private equity firm focused exclusively on the branded consumer sector. She began her career at Goldman Sachs & Co.
"I am excited and honored to take on the role of Interim CEO," said Ms. Rutledge. "Guayakí is extremely unique in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) landscape. There is deep authenticity with our 27-year history and we are well positioned to thrive as the healthier, more mindful choice in the rapidly-growing beverage market. I look forward to working even more closely with the Guayakí team to delight and inspire consumers, deliver for our partners, and build upon our regenerative mission."
About Guayakí
Based in Sebastopol and Venice, California, Guayakí [Gwy-uh-key] is the leader in yerba mate beverages. Guayaki's business model aims to preserve the forests where mate grows and support the communities that have cultivated it for generations. That's why Guayaki sources fair-trade and organic mate from smallholder and Indigenous producers who harvest mate from trees grown in the shade of the rain forest. Guayaki works with its producers to certify mate according to regenerative standards and invest in social and environmental projects identified by producer communities.
Guayaki products are available at more than 20,000 outlets nationwide. More information about retail locations and products can be found online at www.Guayaki.com.
SOURCE Guayakí
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