Learn more about the diverse leadership of CRN member companies. These industry CEOs, presidents, and VPs, head innovative and profitable businesses and are committed to the highest ethical standards as they deliver quality products to meet consumer desires for health and wellness.
Learn about INNOBIO's Founder and CEO, Dr. Wenzhong Wu
Dr. Wenzhong Wu, Founder and CEO of INNOBIO, combines scientific passion and entrepreneurial vision to revolutionize the nutraceutical industry. Since founding INNOBIO in 2003, Dr. Wu has transformed the company into a global leader in innovative health solutions, with operations in Asia, the Americas, and Europe. Under his leadership, INNOBIO emphasizes cutting-edge science, sustainability, and tailored strategies to meet diverse market demands. From pioneering liposomal delivery systems to integrating eco-friendly production practices, INNOBIO continues to shape the future of health and wellness. Explore more about Dr. Wu's journey and INNOBIO's impact in CRN’s “Profiles in Leadership” series. Connect with Dr. Wu on LinkedIn.
Say 'Hello' to iHerb's CEO and President Emun Zabihi
Emun Zabihi, CEO and President of iHerb, leads with a vision of global accessibility to health and wellness. Zabihi’s leadership—rooted in respect, collaboration, and empowerment—drives iHerb’s growth amid the vast, evolving wellness landscape. From tackling counterfeit products to maintaining rigorous quality standards and building strategic, long-term partnerships, he prioritizes consumer trust and innovation. Explore his journey and approach to team building, consumer-centricity, and sustainability in CRN's "Profiles in Leadership" series. Connect with Emun on LinkedIn.
Meet Hilma's Co-Founder: Nina Mullen on Redefining Health Remedies
Nina Mullen, co-founder and co-CEO of Hilma, is disrupting the wellness industry with natural, science-backed supplements. Since its 2020 launch, Hilma has made a name for itself with a simple but impactful lineup of natural remedies focused on digestive health, immune support, and tension relief. Mullen's leadership, shaped by her experience in consulting and startups, has propelled Hilma to success despite challenges like the pandemic's supply chain disruptions. Now available in major retailers like Walmart and Kroger, Hilma continues to grow, reflecting the demand for modern, natural health solutions. Explore more in CRN's “Profiles in Leadership” series. Connect with Nina on LinkedIn.
Get to know Vitaquest's Chief Innovation Officer, Terry Coyle
With an unexpected start and over two decades in the dietary supplements industry, Terry Coyle, Chief Innovation Officer at Vitaquest, has embraced a collaborative leadership style to drive growth and innovation. Discover how Vitaquest has navigated industry transformation and built a reputation for pioneering product development under Coyle’s guidance in CRN’s latest “Profiles in Leadership” installment. Connect with Terry on LinkedIn.
Chris Schuler: A Legacy Built on Enzymes and Innovation
Chris Schuler, CEO and President of BIO-CAT, embodies the very essence of the company he leads. A second-generation entrepreneur, Schuler's journey is deeply intertwined with the growth and evolution of BIO-CAT. From humble beginnings working alongside his father, a pioneering microbiologist, Schuler has steered the company to its position as an industry leader. Today, his strategic vision, coupled with a deep-rooted commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction, continues to drive BIO-CAT's success. Check out CRN's interview with him in the latest "Profiles in Leadership." And connect with him on LinkedIn.
Say 'Hello' to Specnova's Founder & CEO, Sebastian Balcombe
With nearly three decades in the nutraceutical industry, Sebastian Balcombe, founder and CEO of Specnova since 2017, has mastered a hands-on leadership style that allows him to optimize innovation and product development. Learn about how Specnova has pioneered advancements in bioavailability and ingredient performance through delivery systems like liposomal formulations and beadlet technology under Balcombe’s leadership in CRN’s latest “Profiles in Leadership” installment. Connect with Sebastian on LinkedIn.
Captivated by the blend of creativity and science in his father’s perfume lab, Frederic Boned pursued a degree in chemical engineering and joined Givaudan, transitioning from the lab to a dynamic career in sales and marketing. His journey led him across continents and industries, from Givaudan to DSM, and now to Balchem, where he passionately leads in the health and nutrition space, driven by a commitment to innovation and collaboration. Connect with Frederic on LinkedIn.
Meet Nora Khaldi, Ph.D., CEO & Founder, Nuritas
If you doubt the transformative power of data, you probably haven’t met the CEO & Founder of Nuritas, Nora Khaldi, Ph.D. Dr. Khaldi shared how she leveraged her extensive academic background in pure mathematics, molecular evolution, and bioinformatics to address challenges in nutritional science through the innovative use of artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and nutrition in CRN’s latest “Profiles in Leadership” installment. Connect with Nora on LinkedIn.
Get to know Brooks Powell, Founder and CEO, Cheers
Cheers Founder and CEO Brooks Powell shared how he stumbled upon insights into the various applications of dihydromyricetin in college and how that significantly contributed to pivoting his life from a future as a Baptist minister to leading a prominent brand in the dietary supplement market in CRN’s latest “Profiles in Leadership” installment. Under Powell’s leadership, the company has created products that lessen the negative effects of imbibing, all while advocating for smarter drinking habits as part of a balanced lifestyle. Connect with Brooks on LinkedIn.
Meet Radicle Science's founders, Pelin Thorogood and Jeff Chen, MD
There is no lack of vision at CRN Associate Member Radicle Science: they have a manifesto...and a credo. The company's founders delve into their motivations, hurdles they've encountered, and impact they hope to achieve in the dietary supplement sector in CRN’s latest “Profiles in Leadership” series installment. Connect with them on LinkedIn: Pelin Thorogood and Jeff Chen, MD.
Say 'Hello' to Nestlé Health Science's CEO, Abigail Buckwalter
With nearly two decades of experience with Nestlé Health Science, Abigail Buckwalter discussed the three key principles of her leadership philosophy, championing a culture of entrepreneurial innovation, and more in CRN’s latest “Profiles in Leadership” series installment. Buckwalter emphasized the importance of understanding customers' needs deeply through a "people first" approach, ensuring that the product portfolio is diverse and aligns with the needs and lifestyles of various consumers through all stages of life. Connect with Abigail on LinkedIn.
Learn about Kyowa Hakko's VP of Global Brand Marketing, Karen Todd
Karen Todd was drawn to a bend in the road along her chosen career path, she explained in CRN’s latest “Profiles in Leadership” series installment. Despite protests from her peers, Todd defied convention by starting her career in the emerging dietary supplement industry, rather than the expected hospital setting. Connect with Karen on LinkedIn.
Get to know Michael Beardall, COO, Plexus Worldwide
With an unexpected entry into the supplements industry, Michael Beardall shared his career journey from senior accountant at Deloitte to COO of Plexus Worldwide as part of CRN’s latest “Profiles in Leadership” series installment. Beardall emphasized the importance of trust, transparency, and business relationships. Connect with Michael on LinkedIn.
Meet Michael Bentley, President, SierraSil®
After 20 years in the industry, Bentley can offer plenty of advice to upstarts looking to get into the business. In this edition, he emphasizes the importance of focusing on efficacy, quality and giving consumers an option in addition to other interventions. Connect with Michael on LinkedIn.
Pharmavite CEO Jeff Boutelle shares his perspectives on purpose, innovation, and the company's commitment to quality and science
Jeff assumed the role of Pharmavite CEO in August 2017. An accomplished executive with extensive CPG and global experience, his career spans numerous well-regarded companies, including Abbott, Nestle, and Procter & Gamble. Learn more about Jeff and his work at Pharmavite in this special Q&A edition of "Profiles in Leadership."
Get to Know Elan Sudberg, CEO, Alkemist Labs
His bio describes his company as a “committed contract testing laboratory specializing in plant identity, potency, and purity testing to the Food & Beverage, Nutraceutical, and Cosmeceutical Industries.” But we thought it would be fun to go beyond the bio with Elan Sudberg, and learn a bit more about the personality behind all those plants. Connect with Elan on LinkedIn.
Meet Michelle Martin, President & COO, Cypress Systems
Our first industry executive in the series brings a uniquely creative perspective to her leadership of the mineral ingredients company, Cypress Systems, starting with the launch of its chelated minerals line. In addition to her role at Cypress, Michelle is the Chair of Engagement for Women in Nutraceuticals, a new non-profit dedicated to empowering women to unlock their personal and professional potential, with a vision of achieving economic and societal equity to change the global nutraceutical industry, and is active in advancing Cypress Systems' non-profit A Thousand Plus. Connect with Michelle on LinkedIn.