Ben Mand

Chief Executive Officer, Guayakí Yerba Mate

Professional Overview
Ben Mand is an experienced executive with a proven track record of leading mission-driven consumer brands in the natural products industry. As the Chief Executive Officer of Guayakí Yerba Mate, he is responsible for driving the company's strategic vision, fostering a culture of innovation, and expanding the brand's global reach.

Experience Summary

Current Role
As CEO of Guayakí Yerba Mate since March 2024, Ben is spearheading the company's efforts to grow its market share in the rapidly expanding yerba mate beverage category. He is focused on enhancing the brand's product portfolio, strengthening its distribution channels, and amplifying its commitment to sustainable sourcing and community empowerment.

Career Progression
Prior to joining Guayakí, Ben served as the CEO of Harmless Harvest, where he led the company's successful turnaround and positioned it as a leading player in the organic and fair trade coconut water market. He has also held various leadership roles at General Mills and Johnson & Johnson, where he honed his expertise in brand marketing, innovation, and global expansion.

Ben's diverse background includes serving as a Board Member at Musco Family Olive Co. and an Operating Advisor at AF Ventures, where he leverages his industry knowledge and strategic acumen to support the growth of other mission-driven businesses.

Academic Background
Ben holds a Master of Business Administration in Marketing and Entrepreneurship from the prestigious Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. He also earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting, International Business, and Finance from the University of Wisconsin - Madison, where he spent a semester studying at the University of Bonn in Germany.

Areas of Expertise

• Brand strategy and marketing

• Innovation and product development

• Sustainable business practices

• Global expansion and emerging market entry

• Organizational leadership and team building

Professional Impact
Throughout his career, Ben has demonstrated a keen ability to drive transformational change and foster sustainable growth within the natural products industry. Under his leadership, Harmless Harvest experienced significant revenue and market share growth, solidifying its position as a trusted brand in the coconut water category.

At Guayakí, Ben is poised to make a lasting impact by advancing the company's mission to promote the consumption of yerba mate as a healthy, environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional coffee and tea. His strategic vision, coupled with his deep understanding of consumer trends and his commitment to social and environmental responsibility, position him as a powerful force for positive change in the industry.

Conclusion
With his exceptional leadership skills, extensive industry experience, and unwavering dedication to sustainability and social impact, Ben Mand is well-equipped to guide Guayakí Yerba Mate through its next phase of growth and expansion. As he assumes the role of Chief Executive Officer, he is poised to build on the company's strong foundation and solidify its position as a trailblazer in the natural products industry.