Doug Brown Takes the Helm as CEO of Amai Proteins to Drive Innovation in Sweet Protein Sector
A New Chapter for Amai Proteins
Amai Proteins, an innovative food-tech startup based in Israel, has announced a significant shift in its leadership with the appointment of Doug Brown as the new CEO, effective September 1st, 2026. This move marks a crucial step towards expanding the commercial reach of their flagship product, sweelin®, a revolutionary sweet protein designed to replace traditional sweeteners in various food and beverage applications.
Who is Doug Brown?
Doug Brown joins Amai with a wealth of experience in the nutrition and food sectors, having dedicated decades to business development and leadership roles. He has previously excelled in prominent organizations across the US and Europe, including his recent positions as Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Global Account Management at Sirio Pharma and Best Formulations. His extensive background in the food, beverage, and dietary supplement industries positions him as a leader who can drive Amai Proteins into a new phase of growth.
A Vision for the Future
In his new role, Doug Brown expressed enthusiastic commitment to Amai’s mission, stating, "I am very excited to join the exceptional Amai Proteins team and help lead us into the next phase of growth. sweelin® is a perfect product at the right time for the GLP-1/peptide era." Under his guidance, the company aims to leverage sweelin®’s unique qualities to capture a significant share of the increasingly health-conscious consumer market.
The Power of sweelin®
Sweelin® is a next-generation protein derived from precision fermentation, making it an ideal alternative to traditional sweeteners. Known for its impressive sweetness—averaging 3,000 times that of sugar on a weight basis—this monellin-based protein is inspired by the serendipity berry and was designed for stability, affordability, and wide application compatibility. As consumers seek healthier options, sweelin® offers the opportunity for up to 70% sugar reduction without compromising taste or cost, thereby addressing important dietary needs without sacrificing enjoyment. Amai Proteins works closely with leading food manufacturers to integrate sweelin® into various products, including beverages, confectionery, and dietary supplements.
Acknowledging the Past, Embracing the Future
The appointment of Doug Brown also comes with a note of gratitude to Dr. Amir Guttman, the outgoing CEO. Dr. Guttman played an instrumental role in guiding Amai through a transformative period and will continue to support the company in his capacity as a board member. This transition illustrates Amai's dedication to its strategic vision while ensuring a smooth leadership transition.
Commitment to Innovation
Amai Proteins is committed to developing and scaling proprietary sweet proteins for the food and beverage sectors. As the company looks ahead, the focus will remain on innovative solutions that cater to consumer preferences for healthier food options. The recent leadership change under Doug Brown's direction reflects Amai's ambition to become a leader in the sweet protein market, positioning itself as a vital player in the food technology landscape.
With Doug Brown at the helm, Amai Proteins stands ready to explore new avenues for growth and to revolutionize how consumers experience sweetness in their daily diets. The company is set to make a significant impact as it continues its mission of promoting nutrition through the fusion of technology and culinary innovation.