#United States #Anaheim #Tosi #Kevin Rutherford #Organic Snacks

Tosi Welcomes Kevin Rutherford as New CEO

Tosi, the innovative food brand celebrated for its USDA Organic-certified, gluten-free, and vegan snacks, has made headlines with the appointment of Kevin Rutherford as its new Chief Executive Officer. This strategic move signifies the company’s commitment to a mission-driven approach, aiming to foster growth while emphasizing authenticity and simplicity in nutrition.

Kevin Rutherford, who previously served as board chair and brings extensive experience from the consumer packaged goods sector, was chosen to guide Tosi into its next chapter. He envisions steering the brand towards a resurgence in nutritional integrity, aiming to meet the increasing consumer demand for whole foods prepared from unprocessed ingredients. "Tosi is about what truly matters—getting back to basics with clean, nutrient-dense foods and building a community that embraces this mission," Rutherford expressed. His leadership philosophy revolves around simplifying nutrition while providing products that resonate with health-conscious consumers seeking authenticity.

Under Rutherford’s tenure, Tosi aims to tackle the saturated market of ultra-processed foods by offering genuinely nutritious options. The brand's significant sales growth—300% over recent years—demonstrates its stronghold in the burgeoning market for clean-label foods. Rutherford's focus as CEO is to clarify Tosi's core purpose of simplifying nutrition and delivering real, meaningful products to its audience, moving beyond the vague notion of "better-for-you". "With Tosi, consumers find a product that stands out, one that they can trust to provide essential nutrients without the distraction of overly complicated ingredients," he notes.

Founded in 2012 by the mother-daughter duo Stefanie Hults and Chelsea (Hults) Gray, Tosi was named after the Finnish word for "true." As Rutherford steps into this role, Hults and Gray will continue to play pivotal parts in the organization, adapting to a revised leadership structure designed to support the company's ambitious growth trajectory. Stefanie Hults, Tosi's co-founder, reflects, "The dedication and passion of the Hults family were crucial in establishing Tosi's foundation, and with Kevin's leadership, we’re ready to reach new heights."

One of the driving forces behind Rutherford's appointment is his well-documented ability to cultivate mission-driven brands. His reputation as a culture-focused leader emphasizes the coalescence of brand and team, fostering a collaborative environment that aims to achieve shared values. Rutherford's expertise comes from his previous work with prominent companies such as SC Johnson, Kashi, and Miller Brewing Co. (Molson Coors), all of which position him ideally to propel Tosi’s community-oriented initiatives.

In a significant financial move, Tosi recently concluded a Series B funding round, led by Cambridge SPG, which aimed to raise over $15.8 million. This influx of capital will enable Tosi to improve its marketing capabilities and broaden its reach in both retail and e-commerce spaces. The Series B round is a milestone for Cambridge SPG, a firm dedicated to investing in the organic food sector, which has committed over $250 million to transforming food systems across the United States.

Co-Founders Hults and Gray express excitement over this new chapter. Rutherford remarks, "The journey towards authentic, nutrient-dense foods represents a vital change in how we consume and connect to our food. Our consumers deserve products that lead to their well-being, and Tosi intends to take bold steps in this direction."

For Tosi, this represents not just a leadership transition but a broader commitment to cleaning up what many see as a fractured food system, and Rutherford is primed to lead that initiative. As the brand prepares to engage more firmly with health-focused consumers, its vision is clear: to redefine nutrition in a world cluttered with choice and confusion.

To find out more about Tosi and their range of organic snacks, visit Tosi.com. Follow them on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X to stay updated on their journey and product offerings.