Alter Eco names former General Mills exec as new CEO

In addition to assuming day-to-day leadership of the company, Forbes will also join Alter Eco’s board of directors.

Alter Eco said Forbes was tapped for his expertise in scaling CPG businesses while maintaining a brand’s core mission and values. According to his LinkedIn, he previously worked as the marketing manager at General Mills, where he helped grow the company’s Pillsbury cookies and salty snack businesses by 6% and 5% in sales respectively between 2006 and 2011.

Most recently, Forbes was the EVP and general manager at California Olive Ranch, where he drove business growth from $7m to over $125m during his eight-year work period.

“I’m truly honored to join the Alter Eco team,”​ said Forbes.

“I am a huge fan of the Alter Eco products, and a long-admirer of the brand’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. I am excited to play an active role in fortifying its channel and portfolio growth.”​

Rollet mentioned Forbes had been one of his long-time friends through their mutual relationship with OSC (Organic Sustainable Community). “When the opportunity to bring him on board presented itself, we knew it was the right fit,”​ he said.

In 2018, Alter Eco rebranded its packaging and reached more than 10,000 stores across the US, including Whole Foods, Natural Grocers and Wegmans. The company is also set to launch three packs of its chocolate truffles in November.