Jeff assumed the role of CEO in August 2017. He is an accomplished executive with extensive CPG and global experience. Most recently, he was CEO of Beech-Nut Nutrition where he led the reinvention of their baby food business. His career spans numerous well-regarded companies, including Abbott, Nestle, and Procter & Gamble. Globally, his general management and brand responsibilities have encompassed 40+ countries across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Jeff holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Management Information Systems from Bowling Green State University, and received a Master of Business Administration from Duke University.

Jim has been a member of the NOW management team since 1995, initially as Chief of Operations and then as President of NOW Foods. Jim was promoted to Chief Executive Officer of NOW Health Group (NHG) in 2014. Jim has been a key player in NHG’s global expansion efforts, and instrumental in developing the operational resources and facilities in North America. Industry leadership positions include the Natural Products Association Board of Directors, Alliance for Natural Health, and the Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada, in addition to other initiatives. Jim was honored by the American Botanical Council as the 2018 ABC Champion.

Sharon M. Leite currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of The Vitamin Shoppe®. In this role, she leads a renewed growth strategy that is bringing industry-leading innovation, quality, and expertise to the wellness category. Ms. Leite joined The Vitamin Shoppe in August 2018 and since that time has launched a new technology-driven retail format, opened distribution to new channels, reimagined the loyalty program, introduced personalization initiatives, increased penetration of private brands, expanded the business into Asia, pioneered an expansive CBD hemp extract merchandising program, and inked integrated marketing agreements with innovative partners such as WW (formerly Weight Watchers) and IRONMAN®. The Vitamin Shoppe, a subsidiary of Franchise Group Inc., is an omni-channel specialty retailer and wellness lifestyle Company with more than 715 directly operated stores and an e-commerce business. Based in Secaucus, New Jersey, the Company offers a comprehensive assortment of nutritional solutions, including vitamins, minerals, specialty supplements, herbs, sports nutrition, homeopathic remedies, green living products, and natural beauty aids. Ms. Leite joined The Vitamin Shoppe from Godiva Chocolatier, where she was President of North America from October 2017, leading a turnaround that returned the North American business to profitability. Previously, Ms. Leite was the President of Sally Beauty, US and Canada, an international specialty retailer and distributor of professional beauty products. Ms. Leite also spent close to a decade at Pier 1 Imports in increasingly senior roles, leaving as Executive Vice President of Sales, Customer Experience, and Real Estate. Earlier in her career, Ms. Leite held leadership positions with increasing responsibilities at Bath & Body Works (L Brands), Gap Inc., The Walt Disney Company, and Express. Ms. Leite currently serves on the Boards of The National Retail Federation, The Lovesac Company, Women in Retail Leadership, Tandy Leather, Performing Arts Fort Worth, and the Neeley Business School at Texas Christian University. She is also a member of the Senior Advisory Council of AEA Investors.

Stephen is responsible for William Reed’s market-leading publications NutraIngredients-USA and FoodNavigator-USA. He obtained a PhD in chemistry from the Queen’s University of Belfast, Northern Ireland, and held post-doctoral research positions in The Netherlands and France before taking the leap into journalism in 2005. His journalism has been recognized by awards from the American Herbal Products Association (2015 Special Award for Journalistic Excellence), and regionally and nationally by the American Society of Business Publication Editors (ASBPE, 2019 and 2020). Stephen also acts as the editorial consultant and chair of William Reed’s Probiota Americas event and the NutraIngredients-USA Sports Nutrition Summit.