Robert Gamgort
Executive Chairman
Robert “Bob” Gamgort is the Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors for Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP). Previously, Bob served as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board since the formation of the Company in 2018. Under his leadership, KDP has emerged as one of the largest food and beverage companies in the United States, with inclusion in the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100. He was previously CEO of Keurig Green Mountain following its take-private transaction in 2016.
His 35-plus year career in consumer products and entertainment includes positions as CEO of Pinnacle Foods, North American President of Mars Inc., and President of Major League Baseball Properties, as well as a progression of marketing, sales, strategy and general management roles at General Foods and Kraft Foods. His career has been marked by numerous brand and company turnarounds, innovation and new business creation as well as the highly successful Pinnacle Foods IPO and more than a dozen significant M&A transactions. Bob serves as a Director and Chair of the Compensation Committee for National Veterinary Associates, Inc. (NVA), a leading pet healthcare company. He is also on the Board of Chobani, producer of one of America’s leading yogurt brands as well as dairy- and plant-based creamers, plant-based probiotic drinks and owner of La Colombe, a super premium coffee company. He formerly was a Board member of Wayfair Inc. (NYSE: W), Trustee for Bucknell University, Director for the New Jersey State Employment Training Commission and Trustee for Schiff Natural Lands Trust.
Bob holds an MBA in marketing and finance from the Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University, a BA in Economics from Bucknell University and studied at the London School of Economics. He has been recognized for his influence in marketing, sports business and the beverage industry, including BEVNET’s “Person of the Year” award in 2018.
His 35-plus year career in consumer products and entertainment includes positions as CEO of Pinnacle Foods, North American President of Mars Inc., and President of Major League Baseball Properties, as well as a progression of marketing, sales, strategy and general management roles at General Foods and Kraft Foods. His career has been marked by numerous brand and company turnarounds, innovation and new business creation as well as the highly successful Pinnacle Foods IPO and more than a dozen significant M&A transactions. Bob serves as a Director and Chair of the Compensation Committee for National Veterinary Associates, Inc. (NVA), a leading pet healthcare company. He is also on the Board of Chobani, producer of one of America’s leading yogurt brands as well as dairy- and plant-based creamers, plant-based probiotic drinks and owner of La Colombe, a super premium coffee company. He formerly was a Board member of Wayfair Inc. (NYSE: W), Trustee for Bucknell University, Director for the New Jersey State Employment Training Commission and Trustee for Schiff Natural Lands Trust.
Bob holds an MBA in marketing and finance from the Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University, a BA in Economics from Bucknell University and studied at the London School of Economics. He has been recognized for his influence in marketing, sports business and the beverage industry, including BEVNET’s “Person of the Year” award in 2018.
Melody Richard
Senior Vice President
A passionate leader who is committed to delivering results, serving customers and driving diversity and inclusion, Melody Richard is the Senior Vice President of Pantry for Walmart US. This includes all shelf stable grocery items including dry grocery, snacks, and beverages. She is honored to work on such an important business that ensures our customers can Save Money and Live Better.
Prior to this role, Melody was the Merchandising VP of Pets for Walmart US. She led a cross-functional team to deliver upon pet parents needs and serve the over 70% of US households with pets. Melody joined Walmart over five years ago leading the Walmart US Baby store business.
Prior to joining Walmart, she held leadership roles at Coca-Cola for 20 years in Operations, U.S. Sales, International Commercial Leadership, and Emerging Brands. At Coke, she led the Midwest D&I Council, served as VP of Women's LINC (associate resource group) and led the NEW (NextUp) Regional efforts.
As an industry leader, Melody serves as a National Board Member of the Food Marketing Institute (FMI) and Food Research and Action Center (FRAC). She is the co-sponsor for Walmart's national 2024 Fight Hunger Spark Change Campaign. She is also heavily invested in ensuring that the Pantry Team leads the way in the industry with Walmart regeneration efforts.
She has been a key leader for inclusion inside Walmart as a member of Walmart Women's Officer Caucus and Women's Resource Group. She represents Walmart as Secretary on the National Board for NextUp, a leading non-profit focused on advancing all women and was the first recipient of the NextUp National Inclusion Award.
In the local community, she has led the Peel Mansion Giving Event 2023, NWA Food Bank Jewels of Giving Event 2023, Big Brothers Big Sisters Events, The Boys and Girls Club Youth of the Year Co-Chair 2024, 2020 and 2019, Sip and Savor 2023, Sharing and Caring 2023, served on The Jones Center Council, is active with the American Diabetes Association, the Best Friends Pet Resource Center and the American Heart Association. Melody is committed to supporting women in the workplace, families in the community and the overall health and wellbeing of associates and customers.
Prior to this role, Melody was the Merchandising VP of Pets for Walmart US. She led a cross-functional team to deliver upon pet parents needs and serve the over 70% of US households with pets. Melody joined Walmart over five years ago leading the Walmart US Baby store business.
Prior to joining Walmart, she held leadership roles at Coca-Cola for 20 years in Operations, U.S. Sales, International Commercial Leadership, and Emerging Brands. At Coke, she led the Midwest D&I Council, served as VP of Women's LINC (associate resource group) and led the NEW (NextUp) Regional efforts.
As an industry leader, Melody serves as a National Board Member of the Food Marketing Institute (FMI) and Food Research and Action Center (FRAC). She is the co-sponsor for Walmart's national 2024 Fight Hunger Spark Change Campaign. She is also heavily invested in ensuring that the Pantry Team leads the way in the industry with Walmart regeneration efforts.
She has been a key leader for inclusion inside Walmart as a member of Walmart Women's Officer Caucus and Women's Resource Group. She represents Walmart as Secretary on the National Board for NextUp, a leading non-profit focused on advancing all women and was the first recipient of the NextUp National Inclusion Award.
In the local community, she has led the Peel Mansion Giving Event 2023, NWA Food Bank Jewels of Giving Event 2023, Big Brothers Big Sisters Events, The Boys and Girls Club Youth of the Year Co-Chair 2024, 2020 and 2019, Sip and Savor 2023, Sharing and Caring 2023, served on The Jones Center Council, is active with the American Diabetes Association, the Best Friends Pet Resource Center and the American Heart Association. Melody is committed to supporting women in the workplace, families in the community and the overall health and wellbeing of associates and customers.
Jack Sinclair
CEO
Jack Sinclair, our chief executive officer and board member, brings more than 35 years of experience in retail and grocery to Sprouts since joining the company in June 2019. He has served as a board member of FMI – The Food Industry Association since 2020 and was appointed to the Los Angeles branch board of directors of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco in January 2021.
Jack was previously chief executive officer of 99 Cents Only Stores LLC, a premier discount retailer with over 350 locations in the United States, since 2018. Prior to that, he was chief merchandising officer from 2015 to 2018.
From 2007 to 2015, Jack was the executive vice president of the U.S. Grocery Division of Walmart, Inc., where he led all aspects of Walmart's U.S. grocery business at its more than 4,000 stores, which generated substantial growth under his leadership through a focus on local assortment and fresh foods.
Jack also spent 14 years at Safeway PLC in London where he was responsible for operations, merchandising and marketing for over 450 Safeway supermarket and convenience store locations throughout the United Kingdom. He served on the board of directors of The Hain Celestial Group, a leading marketer, manufacturer and seller of organic and natural products, from September 2017 to June 2019.
Jack earned a bachelor's degree in economics and marketing from The University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland.
Jack was previously chief executive officer of 99 Cents Only Stores LLC, a premier discount retailer with over 350 locations in the United States, since 2018. Prior to that, he was chief merchandising officer from 2015 to 2018.
From 2007 to 2015, Jack was the executive vice president of the U.S. Grocery Division of Walmart, Inc., where he led all aspects of Walmart's U.S. grocery business at its more than 4,000 stores, which generated substantial growth under his leadership through a focus on local assortment and fresh foods.
Jack also spent 14 years at Safeway PLC in London where he was responsible for operations, merchandising and marketing for over 450 Safeway supermarket and convenience store locations throughout the United Kingdom. He served on the board of directors of The Hain Celestial Group, a leading marketer, manufacturer and seller of organic and natural products, from September 2017 to June 2019.
Jack earned a bachelor's degree in economics and marketing from The University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland.
Troy Rice
CEO
Troy Rice is the CEO of Total Wine & More, the largest independent retailer of fine wine in the United States. Since joining the company in 2017 as Chief Stores Officer, he has led the Stores Organization through significant milestones, including navigating the pandemic, innovating digital processes, developing talent, supporting real estate initiatives, and enhancing customer experience.
Previously, Troy held senior leadership roles at Office Depot, Toys R Us, and The Home Depot, where he gained extensive experience in retail operations and omni-channel efforts.
His retail career began at his father's grocery store, where he learned the importance of customer service, teamwork, and work ethic. Troy draws inspiration from his mentors, Home Depot Founders Bernie Marcus and Arthur Blank, and emphasizes fostering core values in his team to improve productivity, processes, and customer experience.
Previously, Troy held senior leadership roles at Office Depot, Toys R Us, and The Home Depot, where he gained extensive experience in retail operations and omni-channel efforts.
His retail career began at his father's grocery store, where he learned the importance of customer service, teamwork, and work ethic. Troy draws inspiration from his mentors, Home Depot Founders Bernie Marcus and Arthur Blank, and emphasizes fostering core values in his team to improve productivity, processes, and customer experience.
Bonnie Herzog
Managing Director & Senior Consumer Analyst
Bonnie Herzog is a managing director and senior consumer analyst at Goldman Sachs covering the beverage, tobacco and convenience store sectors. During her 20 plus years of experience as a sell-side equity research analyst, Bonnie has been a top-ranked Institutional Investor analyst.
For more than ten years, Bonnie has been recognized by Institutional Investor magazine for the All-America Research Team. Prior to Joining Goldman Sachs in December 2019, Bonnie was a managing director at Wells Fargo and Citi Investment Research.
Bonnie is best known for her in-depth proprietary research and successful contrarian stocks calls. She has been a guest speaker at numerous tobacco, beverage and convenience store industry conferences.
Bonnie earned an MBA degree in finance from the Sloan School of Management at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a BA degree in finance from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota.
For more than ten years, Bonnie has been recognized by Institutional Investor magazine for the All-America Research Team. Prior to Joining Goldman Sachs in December 2019, Bonnie was a managing director at Wells Fargo and Citi Investment Research.
Bonnie is best known for her in-depth proprietary research and successful contrarian stocks calls. She has been a guest speaker at numerous tobacco, beverage and convenience store industry conferences.
Bonnie earned an MBA degree in finance from the Sloan School of Management at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a BA degree in finance from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Caroline Levy
Board Member
Caroline Levy is the founder of CLAS, an advisory firm in the consumer space. Ms. Levy serves as a public and private company Director on the boards of Celsius Holdings (CELH) and Health-Ade Kombucha, and is a member of both the Audit and Nominating/Governance committees at both companies.
Ms. Levy had a renowned career as a consumer stock analyst for over thirty years, covering large and small companies across soft drinks, alcohol, cosmetics, household products, food, restaurants, and hotels. She was ranked by both the Institutional Investor and Wall Street Journal surveys as one of the top analysts in her sector. Her tenure has included senior analyst roles at Lehman Brothers, UBS, CLSA and Macquarie.
At UBS, Caroline was promoted to COO of US research, where she chaired the investment review committee, directed the vetting process for investment banking transactions, and oversaw the over 100-person associate analyst team. Her strategic reports uncovered key consumer trends well before they became mainstream, such as "value in values" and the squeeze on mid-size companies to the benefit of small innovators and large retailers and brands.
Her work with Citic's on-the-ground team, "China Reality Research," revealed unrecognized value in the Chinese operations of companies such as Estée Lauder, and uncovered risks in others (P&G in diapers). Ms. Levy's network spans CEOs and executives across public and private brand-owners and distributors, allowing her to key into trends and risks across industries. Long-standing relationships with sell-side and buy-side analysts and portfolio managers, give Ms. Levy a clear view into shifting investing and valuation methods.
Caroline joined the board of Celsius Holdings (CELH) in July 2020, a public company selling one of the fastest growing energy drinks in the category. She is a member of the audit and nominating committees. Ms. Levy was appointed to the board of Health-Ade Kombucha, a private-equity owned company.
Ms. Levy is a member of Extraordinary Women on Boards (EWOB), a prestigious organization dedicated to educating and furthering the success of women on private and public for-profit boards. She is an advisor to Founded, a Los Angeles-based organization of female founders in the wellness space and will be an advisor to their newly established investment fund.
Ms. Levy had a renowned career as a consumer stock analyst for over thirty years, covering large and small companies across soft drinks, alcohol, cosmetics, household products, food, restaurants, and hotels. She was ranked by both the Institutional Investor and Wall Street Journal surveys as one of the top analysts in her sector. Her tenure has included senior analyst roles at Lehman Brothers, UBS, CLSA and Macquarie.
At UBS, Caroline was promoted to COO of US research, where she chaired the investment review committee, directed the vetting process for investment banking transactions, and oversaw the over 100-person associate analyst team. Her strategic reports uncovered key consumer trends well before they became mainstream, such as "value in values" and the squeeze on mid-size companies to the benefit of small innovators and large retailers and brands.
Her work with Citic's on-the-ground team, "China Reality Research," revealed unrecognized value in the Chinese operations of companies such as Estée Lauder, and uncovered risks in others (P&G in diapers). Ms. Levy's network spans CEOs and executives across public and private brand-owners and distributors, allowing her to key into trends and risks across industries. Long-standing relationships with sell-side and buy-side analysts and portfolio managers, give Ms. Levy a clear view into shifting investing and valuation methods.
Caroline joined the board of Celsius Holdings (CELH) in July 2020, a public company selling one of the fastest growing energy drinks in the category. She is a member of the audit and nominating committees. Ms. Levy was appointed to the board of Health-Ade Kombucha, a private-equity owned company.
Ms. Levy is a member of Extraordinary Women on Boards (EWOB), a prestigious organization dedicated to educating and furthering the success of women on private and public for-profit boards. She is an advisor to Founded, a Los Angeles-based organization of female founders in the wellness space and will be an advisor to their newly established investment fund.
Robbert Ottenstein
Senior Managing Director & Partner
Robert Ottenstein is a senior managing director and head of the Global Beverages and Household Products Team. Mr. Ottenstein most recently was ranked No. 3 in Institutional Investor's 2022 and 2021 All-America Research poll for the beverage, household & personal care sector, after claiming a runner-up position in 2019.
Before joining Evercore ISI, Mr. Ottenstein headed investor relations for Anheuser-Busch InBev shortly after InBev's acquisition of Anheuser-Busch. Previously, he was with Morgan Stanley, where he served as a managing director in investment banking as well as an II ranked specialty chemical analyst and the sector leader for the firm's global basic materials group.
Mr. Ottenstein earned a B.A. from Swarthmore College, a B.A./M.A. in philosophy, politics and economics at Oxford University and an MBA from Stanford.
Before joining Evercore ISI, Mr. Ottenstein headed investor relations for Anheuser-Busch InBev shortly after InBev's acquisition of Anheuser-Busch. Previously, he was with Morgan Stanley, where he served as a managing director in investment banking as well as an II ranked specialty chemical analyst and the sector leader for the firm's global basic materials group.
Mr. Ottenstein earned a B.A. from Swarthmore College, a B.A./M.A. in philosophy, politics and economics at Oxford University and an MBA from Stanford.
Brian Albert
Sr. Category Manager
Brian Albert manages the merchandising and assortment for non-alcoholic beverages at Sprouts Farmers Market. Over a 30-year career, Brian has had various positions in marketing, merchandising, and product development with stops at Campbell’s, Coors, Wild Oats, Giant Eagle, and Sprouts. Those experiences coupled with his marketing and entrepreneurial management degrees from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School and the University of Colorado, Brian has a unique perspective on what it takes to create and maintain a successful beverage brand.
Daniel Scharff
Founder & CEO
Daniel Scharff is the Founder/CEO of Startup CPG, the world's biggest CPG community, providing major resources and media coverage for emerging food & beverage brands.
He's a former beverage CEO, having launched Machu Picchu from scratch and making it the fastest growth brand in the natural channel before departing the business in 2023 to focus on Startup CPG full-time.
He's a former beverage CEO, having launched Machu Picchu from scratch and making it the fastest growth brand in the natural channel before departing the business in 2023 to focus on Startup CPG full-time.
Christi Frizzell
Sr. Director Store Innovation
Christi Frizzell is all about driving innovation and making things happen. As the Senior Director of 7-Ventures & Business Development at 7-Eleven, she's the powerhouse behind a large portfolio generating an impactful revenue stream, scouting the next big thing in beverages and beyond. With an eye for game-changing brands and a knack for building strong, value-driven partnerships, Christi is shaping the future of retail one sip at a time.
With over two decades in the industry, Christi has led the charge in category management, strategic sourcing, customer loyalty and operations—constantly pushing the envelope to deliver big results. Her passion? Creating growth opportunities through creative solutions and a deep understanding of what customers crave. She's driven by the power of people, processes, and partnership, and her track record speaks for itself—always ahead of the curve, always delivering more.
A proud Ohio State University alum, Christi blends data-driven insights with an intuitive feel for customer trends, making her a standout leader in the fast-paced, ever-evolving retail world. Whether it's optimizing operations or building high-impact teams, Christi's strategic vision and people-first approach make her a dynamic force ready to take on the next big challenge.
With over two decades in the industry, Christi has led the charge in category management, strategic sourcing, customer loyalty and operations—constantly pushing the envelope to deliver big results. Her passion? Creating growth opportunities through creative solutions and a deep understanding of what customers crave. She's driven by the power of people, processes, and partnership, and her track record speaks for itself—always ahead of the curve, always delivering more.
A proud Ohio State University alum, Christi blends data-driven insights with an intuitive feel for customer trends, making her a standout leader in the fast-paced, ever-evolving retail world. Whether it's optimizing operations or building high-impact teams, Christi's strategic vision and people-first approach make her a dynamic force ready to take on the next big challenge.
Ken Sadowsky
Senior Beverage Advisor
Named "The Beverage Whisperer" by Forbes, Ken Sadowsky is an astute trend identifier and a 25-year veteran of the beverage industry. He was an early distributor of vitaminwater, among the first to distribute Snapple, Red Bull, and Monster. Later he joined the board of GLACEAU, the parent company of vitaminwater & smartwater.
Today, Ken is the Senior Beverage Advisor for Verlinvest, the diversification vehicle of the Belgian InBev family with over $2B deployed across 20 portfolio companies. Ken sits on the board of directors for Vita Coco (COCO), Hint Water, and LifeAID, and was previously an advisor for Bai and Essentia Water.
Ken continues to advise and invest in new companies to this day.
Today, Ken is the Senior Beverage Advisor for Verlinvest, the diversification vehicle of the Belgian InBev family with over $2B deployed across 20 portfolio companies. Ken sits on the board of directors for Vita Coco (COCO), Hint Water, and LifeAID, and was previously an advisor for Bai and Essentia Water.
Ken continues to advise and invest in new companies to this day.
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