SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Suja Life, a Paine Schwartz Partners portfolio company and the leading functional wellness platform and parent company of Suja Organic and Vive Organic, today announced the appointment of Maria Stipp as its new CEO, effective February 20. Stipp succeeds Bob DeBorde who will retire and remain an active member as Chair of the Board of Directors.
With an impressive leadership track record and a deep understanding of the food and beverage market, Stipp is poised to drive Suja Life to transformative new heights as the company continues to build its strong portfolio of consumer brands. Prior to joining Suja Life, Stipp served as CEO of Sapporo-Stone Brewing Company where she initially oversaw the Stone Brewing business, doubled its size and successfully led the company through its sale to Japanese beer maker Sapporo. Previously, Stipp was the CEO of Lagunitas Brewing Company, and she currently sits on the board of Siete Family Foods and California Olive Ranch.
"I am thrilled to lead Suja Life’s next phase of growth and work closely with the team and Paine Schwartz Partners to deliver meaningful value,” said Stipp. “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."
Outgoing CEO DeBorde joined Suja Organic as CEO in 2019 and drove Suja Life through market-leading growth and profitability while strengthening Suja’s platform position in the healthy beverage segment. In 2022, he oversaw its acquisition of Vive Organic to build a unified portfolio and create the next generation of wellness offerings. While Bob will no longer be involved in the day-to-day operations, he will remain active in supporting the company's strategic growth in his new role as Chairman of the Board. Outgoing Chairman Randy Papadellis will remain on the Board as Vice Chairman.
“It has been a true honor to have worked with the talented team at Suja Life,” said DeBorde. “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.”
As the leading functional wellness platform, Suja Life’s vibrant portfolio includes Suja Organic, the nation's #1 organic, non-GMO, cold-pressed juice and beverage brand, and Vive Organic, the pioneer in cold-pressed and plant-powered 2oz ready-to-drink wellness shots. Each of Vive Organic’s products are designed to harness the power of fresh-pressed superfoods to improve overall health and carefully curated by a team of holistic wellness doctors.
“Since we initiated our partnership with Suja Life, its momentum has been nothing short of impressive. 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,” said Kevin Schwartz, CEO of Paine Schwartz Partners, “We have believed in Suja Life’s brand mission since the beginning, and we are excited to tap into Maria’s prior experience to unlock fresh audiences and continue our commitment to delivering functional, nutritious products.”
About Suja Life
Suja Life is the leading, vertically integrated manufacturer and marketer of plant-based, better-for-you cold-pressed juices and related beverages committed to delivering function, nutrition and superior taste to a diverse, national consumer base. Formed in 2022, the parent company holds Suja Organic and Vive Organic, the leading beverage brands harnessing the power of organic, non-GMO, and plant-based ingredients to provide functional products loaded with vital nutrients. In partnership with Paine Schwartz Partners, Suja Life was founded to merge years of CPG industry expertise and propel brands that encompass a shared mission to craft products held to the highest standards of quality and wellness. Today, Suja Life leads the nation in organic and cold-pressed juices and shots, with a growing portfolio of brands. For more information, please visit www.sujalife.com.
About Paine Schwartz Partners
Paine Schwartz Partners is the largest private equity firm dedicated to sustainable food chain investing, with ~$6 billion of AUM and over 20 years of experience. The firm invests across specific segments of the food and agribusiness value chain, with a focus on two core investment themes: productivity and sustainability and health and wellness. Through its proactive, thesis-driven approach, the firm targets value-added and differentiated companies and makes primarily control buyout investments, with a smaller allocation to growth companies. For further information, please see www.paineschwartz.com.
