NEW YORK, NY - Blue Apron looks to be investing more effort into both organics and potentially strategic acquisitions as it adds two more power players to its lineup of leadership. The meal kit delivery entrepreneur has appointed Gary Hirshberg, Chairman and Co-Founder of Stonyfield Farm, and Tracy Britt Cool, Chief Executive Officer of Pampered Chef, to its Board of Directors.
"Gary and Tracy both have a thorough understanding of our opportunity to build a better food system, and their counsel and oversight will be invaluable as we continue to grow," explained Matt Salzberg, Co-Founder and CEO of Blue Apron, according to a press release.
On each new appointee, Salzberg went on to share, "Gary is a pioneer in environmental sustainability and organic agriculture and will provide critical strategic guidance as we continue to develop our farm sourcing and innovation programs and implement initiatives to reduce our environmental footprint. Tracy has a track record advising companies on how to scale effectively and achieve their maximum potential, and her business, consumer product, and e-commerce expertise will be a tremendous asset for us."
In 1983, Gary Hirshberg co-founded Stonyfield Farm, a pioneer in organic yogurt production, which he then served as CEO of for 28 years. Stonyfield Farm was able to grow from a seven-cow organic farming school, to a company with $370 million in annual sales under Hirshberg's leadership. Throughout his career, Hirshberg has received an impressive twelve honorary doctorates for corporate and environmental leadership.
"After 33 years of leading and growing Stonyfield Farm, I want to dedicate my time to other exciting and emerging companies that are closing the gap between consumers and the source of their food," Hirshberg said upon his appointment. "I've been a Blue Apron customer for some time and have been deeply impressed. Because of the company's direct relationships with customers, I truly believe that Blue Apron has a unique opportunity to engage and educate people about the importance of how their food is grown and have a meaningful impact on today's food system."
Tracy Britt Cool joined Berkshire Hathaway as the Financial Assistant to the Chairman in 2009, when she began her work conducting investment research, analyzing acquisition opportunities, and advising Berkshire Hathaway subsidiaries in various industries. In 2014, she was appointed CEO of Berkshire-owned cooking tool staple, Pampered Chef. Cool serves as Chairman of Berkshire Hathaway companies Benjamin Moore, Larson-Juhl, and Oriental Trading Company, and is also a board member of the Kraft Heinz Company.
"Having grown up working on my family's farm in Kansas, I have a deep appreciation of the positive impact Blue Apron's business model can have on the way food is grown and distributed," Cool added. "I'm excited about the opportunity to help grow another business that is focused on bringing families together in the kitchen and at the dinner table."
AndNowUKnow plans to watch closely to see whether or not these new appointees will affect the company’s business strategies going forward, so stay tuned.
