Suja Life, the parent company to Suja Organics and Vive Organics, announced today it has appointed Maria Stipp as its new CEO, effective Feb 20, while current chief executive, Bob DeBorde, moves into retirement.
DeBorde will no longer be involved in the company’s day-to-day operations but has joined the company’s board as chairman. Current board chairman Randy Papadellis will remain on as vice chairman.
“It has been a true honor to have worked with the talented team at Suja Life,” said DeBorde, in a press release. “Together we have built Suja Life into one of the leading healthy beverage platforms in the world. I am thrilled to pass the baton to Maria and am confident in her ability to lead the company in its next stage of expansion.”
Stipp comes to Suja with a lengthy track record as a beverage industry exec, most recently, serving as CEO of Sapporo-Stone Brewing Company. In that role, Stipp doubled Stone Brewing’s business and led the company through its acquisition by Japanese beer maker Sapporo. Stipp also has served as CEO of Lagunitas Brewing Company and is a board member of Siete Family Foods and California Olive Ranch.
“I am thrilled to lead Suja Life’s next phase of growth,” said Stipp in a press release. “Throughout my tenure in the beverage industry, I have seen a dramatic shift in consumer trends toward better-for-you alternatives. Suja Life is well-suited to capitalize on this trend, and I look forward to further developing our exciting initiatives to achieve this.”
“Since we initiated our partnership with Suja Life, its momentum has been nothing short of impressive,” said Kevin Schwartz, CEO of Paine Schwartz Partners, in a press release. “We are grateful for Bob’s contributions to the company’s development. As we set our sights on strategic and sustainable growth, Maria brings a level of innovation and expertise that will unlock new opportunities for Suja Life.”
The company kicked off the year by launching a three-SKU line of organic plant-based protein shakes in 16 oz bottles.