Anja Grunefeld to lead LIVEKINDLY Collective Europe
LIVEKINDLY Collective, a collection of plant-based food brands selling innovative products around the globe, appoints its longstanding Chief Operating Officer, David Suarez, as the new CEO.
David has been a member of the company’s leadership team for the last several years. His proven leadership track record includes several decades of experience in FMCG companies, of which 23 have been at Unilever and the last three years leading LIVEKINDLY Collective’s global operational success.
David comments: “I have lived and worked across many countries and cultures, and leading our diverse Collective feels like coming home. I’m confident that with our amazing brands and innovative products we can win in this industry despite its volatility. In the past three years, I’ve had the honor of working with the best team here on our journey to make plant-based the new norm for everyone. We are agile, we have the right talent and production infrastructure, and we can deliver the best tasting products for all eating occasions. With profitability on the horizon, I couldn’t have asked for a better time to take on this role. I look forward to what’s ahead.“
David has led the completion of the second phase of the state-of-the-art purely plant-based production facility in Oss, the Netherlands, which is now a hub developing and producing numerous private label products for customers across key markets. “The Oss factory is not only the biggest and most modern in Europe, but also strategically located to serve the steadily growing demand for plant-based food across Europe,” adds David. “Our manufacturing footprint provides us with a strong position to innovate and win in the largest segments of the category.”
The company also consolidated its operations across Europe—bringing together DACH, the UK, the Benelux, and the Nordics markets into one streamlined operation. Anja Grunefeld, GM of DACH, has been promoted to Head of Europe, alongside her role as Chief Marketing Officer.
Anja concludes: “Our global Collective has been very successful and growing strong across Europe over the last few years. We move according to consumer demands and behaviors and the new consolidated capacity will give us opportunities to grow further across Europe, but now together, under one ‘roof.’ With strong local brands such as LIKE in DACH, Oumph! in the Nordics and Fry’s in the UK and an international best-in-class production located in Oss, the Netherlands, we will benefit from synergies facilitated by this move.”