It’s always an exciting time when we hear of new leaders joining the industry—especially in Chief positions. Recently, Eat Beyond Global Holdings announced grand news of its own, as the investment issuer appointed Michael Aucoin as the company’s new Chief Executive Officer.
“We intend to compete in a wide cross-section of plant-protein verticals, as represented by our portfolio companies, with which we will work with closely to accelerate their success from an operational and value creation standpoint,” Aucoin said. “Eat Beyond is committed to leading the future of food and becoming the most successful Canadian plant-based food business operating globally.”
Aucoin carries over 25 years of experience in food sales management and consumer packaged goods. Most recently, he held the Principal position for MJA Consulting, where he focused on product launch and market and corporate development. Prior roles include leadership positions at Advantage Solutions, Agropur, Hershey’s, and Smuckers. He holds an MBA from Queens University in Ontario, and a Bachelor of Science degree with Honors from the University of Ottawa in Ontario.
In his new role, Aucoin will pilot Eat Beyond in a new direction, with a vision to establish the company as a recognized leader in the $50 billion plant-based protein market, with a focus on North America and Europe, creating a substantial global entity that can help to address the barriers to greater consumer uptake of plant-based foods.
According to the release, Aucoin will be taking the place of Patrick Morris, who has served as Eat Beyond’s CEO since its inception in the Fall of 2019.
“The team is very grateful to Patrick Morris for his work building a solid foundation and team for Eat Beyond. As he leaves to pursue other interests, he has left the organization in a strong position, poised for further growth,” said Eat Beyond Chairman of the Board, Don Robinson. “I am pleased to welcome Mr. Aucoin to the team as CEO as we chart a new course in the plant-based sector, building a balanced portfolio that can deliver value to our portfolio companies and our investors while pushing the industry forward.”
Eat Beyond will place a particular focus on technical innovation, research, and investments in capacity-building projects. As noted in the release, the company is building the corporate infrastructure to accelerate the growth of its portfolio companies with marketing, sales, sourcing, manufacturing, and distribution capabilities.
Congratulations to Michael Aucoin as he takes the helm!
