People Moves: Tim Sullivan in as Interim CEO at Runa

Tim Sullivan in as Interim CEO at Runa

Investor, board member, and former PepsiCo executive Tim Sullivan is serving as the interim CEO of Runa, following the departure of Alex Galindez earlier this month. Sullivan had been an adviser with the natural energy brand since 2010. He confirmed he had taken the role in an e-mail to BevNET, but declined further comment during the transition. He previously told Beverage Business Insights that the company’s investors remained committed to the brand, stating “Runa’s future is as bright as ever.”

No reason has been given for Galindez’s departure. She joined Runa as CEO in April 2017, having previously served as general manager of cold-pressed juice maker BluePrint. She took the role from co-founder Tyler Gage, who remained with Runa as chairman.

The company recently unveiled a large portfolio expansion during Natural Products Expo West 2018 in March, launching five new SKUs and announcing expanded distribution with entry into Shaw’s supermarkets and a deal with New York based distributor Dora’s Naturals.

Beth Wilson-Parentice Out of Sipp

Sipp Sparkling Organics founder Beth Wilson-Parentice has left the craft soda company, according to reports. A call to Wilson-Parentice by BevNET this afternoon was not returned.

Wilson-Parentice’s departure comes after the departure of CEO Brian Pear, who left the company earlier this year. Pear had been balancing dual duties as the CEO of Balance Water.

Gerry David in at Jel Shot Co.

Continuing his post-Celsius career, Gerry David has joined the team at The Original Jel Shot Co., a brand of alcoholic single serve gelatin shots, as an adviser. The company announced the addition of David as well as electronics industry veteran Brian Harrington in a press release last week. The company has also partnered with investor Kevin Harrington of “Shark Tank” fame.

The company cited David’s experience in sales and marketing, operations management, financial analysis, capital raising, supply chain management, manufacturing, and regulatory and strategic planning as skills he would bring to The Original Jel Shot Co.

Since stepping down as the CEO of Celsius in February 2017, David has joined the advisory board of companies including EarthWater and Rocky Mountain High Brands.

Campbell Appoints Roberto Leopardi President of Meals and Beverages Division

Roberto Leopardi has been named President of Campbells Meals & Beverages, the company announced in a press release Wednesday. Leopardi will begin the job on June 4 and report to COO Luca Mignini.

“Roberto brings extensive consumer-packaged goods industry experience where he has built, grown and transformed global businesses,” Mignini said in the release. “He will offer a fresh perspective to the division that is home to many of our iconic brands. Roberto will play a critical role in delivering against our strategic priorities of stabilizing and then sustaining strong financial results for this important Campbell division.”