IRVINGTON, NY - Welcoming an exciting strategic move at the top, BrightFarms has hired Steve Platt as the company’s new CEO. A veteran consumer packaged goods (CPG) executive with experience growing brands and leading top category performers, Platt is a dynamic addition to the growing team.
“I am privileged to be the next CEO of BrightFarms. This is an exciting time for the company and I look forward to working with Paul Lightfoot and the entire team to scale the company and deliver our salad greens to more retailers and consumers across the country,” shared Platt. “BrightFarms is how Americans will consume produce—fresh, local, and pesticide-free.”
Paul Lightfoot, the company’s Founder, will continue as President. Both Platt and Lightfoot will be members of the Board of Directors, according to a press release.
Platt brings a wealth of CPG experience to his new role and was most recently CEO of Icelandic Provisions. During his time with the company, Platt grew Icelandic Provisions to more than 6,500 retail stores and helped it become one of the fastest-growing brands in dairy yogurt. Previous to that, Steve was an Executive at Danone, where he led brands such as Dannon, Oikos, Danimals, and YoCrunch as well.
“As Founder, I’ve taken BrightFarms from an idea to the leader in next-generation indoor produce,” Lightfoot shared. “Steve is a world-class CPG executive with an authentic passion for our mission and our products, and possesses the talent, experience, and know-how to take the company to the next level.”
Brian Rich, Managing Partner at Catalyst Investors—one of the company’s investors and huge supporters of its growth—and BrightFarms Board Member, shared his excitement as well.
“The BrightFarms Board of Directors is delighted to welcome Steve. He is an exceptional business leader and a proven CEO. He has a track record of building dynamic and values-driven teams that deliver results,” Rich said. “With consumer trends pointing towards superior quality, differentiated, locally-grown produce, Steve is well-positioned to lead BrightFarms through its next period of rapid growth.”
Congrats to Steve Platt on joining one of the leading-edge compaines in packaged salads, and to the BrightFarms team for paving the road ahead with opportunity and vision!
