Plant-based beverage company Califia Farms has appointed Dave Ritterbush as its new CEO, following the retirement of company founder Greg Steltenpohl.
Former CEO and founder of Califia Farms, Greg Steltenpohl, will remain on the board as an executive director.
Most recently, Ritterbush has served as president and CEO of Quest Nutrition. During this time, he guided the company through its $1 billion acquisition by The Simply Good Foods Company last year.
Prior to this, Ritterbush held the position of CEO at better-for-you snack company Popchips, and served as president and CEO of Premier Nutrition. He has also served as vice president and general manager of Red Bull North America and had a long tenure at Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream.
“With Califia’s innovation and commitment to helping people and the planet, there is endless potential for continued growth, especially as an increasing number of consumers seek plant-based options,” said Ritterbush.
He added: “I look forward to building on Greg’s vision and continuing the company’s commitment to innovation. Having Greg on the board will allow us to tap into his deep knowledge and passion, which will be invaluable.”
Steltenpohl also founded Odwalla Juice Company – which was later acquired by The Coca-Cola Company – before launching Califia Farms in 2010.
“I am super proud of what we’ve accomplished at Califia since we launched the brand ten years ago. Now is the perfect time in the company’s evolution for this next step,” said Steltenpohl.
He continued: “We were committed to finding the right person to serve as our next CEO, and I couldn’t be more excited to hand over the reins to such a talented and well-respected leader. With his deep experience in CPG and nutrition, Dave is the ideal person to continue taking the company forward as a leader in the plant-based food and beverage space.”
In January, the US company secured $225 million in Series D financing led by the Qatar Investment Authority to fuel its innovation and growth. Since then, Califia Farms has expanded its plant-based milk portfolio with the launch of Protein Oat.
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