Manna Tree Strengthens Leadership with Grace Zuncic as Managing Director of Human Talent

Manna Tree Appoints Grace Zuncic as Managing Director of Human Talent

Manna Tree, a distinguished global private equity firm focusing on health and wellness investments, has announced the significant appointment of Grace Zuncic as its first Managing Director of Human Talent, effective January 2, 2025. The firm emphasizes its dedication to empowering consumers to lead healthier, longer lives through thoughtful investments.

Strategic Leadership for Growth

The inclusion of Ms. Zuncic in such a pivotal role is a strategic move for Manna Tree as it aims to solidify its position within the burgeoning $5.6 trillion health and wellness market. This role is pivotal, as she will spearhead comprehensive initiatives that encompass recruitment, employee development, and the enhancement of workplace culture. By focusing on these initiatives, Manna Tree anticipates bolstering its talent acquisition, a vital component for the firm as it continues to expand its investment portfolio.

Ellie Rubenstein, the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Manna Tree, highlighted that the firm attributes its consistent success to its people and the cultivated culture. Ms. Zuncic's trajectory from renowned roles at Chobani and Cotopaxi perfectly meshes with the firm’s aspirations of strengthening its human capital to enrich its impact on consumer health and wellness.

“Grace’s track record in scaling mission-driven organizations will significantly benefit our goal of enhancing consumer health,” stated Rubenstein.

Enhancing Talent and Culture

In her previous positions, Ms. Zuncic has displayed exemplary leadership, particularly during her tenure at Cotopaxi as Chief People and Impact Officer, where she introduced employee-focused strategies during substantial growth phases. Furthermore, her decade-long involvement at Chobani, particularly her roles as Chief People and Culture Officer, provided her with valuable experience in navigating the complexities of scaling a startup into a dominant market player.

Ross Iverson, another Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Manna Tree, echoed the sentiment regarding the importance of investment in human resources, noting the vast potential within the health and wellness sector. “As we explore significant investment opportunities, strengthening our team becomes crucial in scaling alongside our portfolio companies,” he remarked.

Ms. Zuncic's extensive responsibilities will include talent due diligence, executive recruitment support, and strategic resource allocation for portfolio CEOs, providing her a vital role in building sustained value across Manna Tree’s varied investments.

A Personal Touch

Beyond professional achievements, Ms. Zuncic is deeply committed to her personal pursuits, which include running, baking, and skiing. These interests, coupled with her dedication to community involvement, underline her alignment with Manna Tree’s values focused on well-being and community impact.

She holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and a Bachelor's degree in Philosophy and Political Science from Boston College, both of which equip her with the analytical and strategic insights necessary for her new role.

Conclusion

In summary, the appointment of Grace Zuncic marks a pivotal chapter in Manna Tree's journey, as the firm aims to significantly influence the health and wellness industry. With her proven expertise and aligned passion for mission-driven organizations, she is set to lead Manna Tree's human talent initiatives towards a future of remarkable growth and impact.

Manna Tree holds a strong commitment to investing in companies that enhance consumer well-being, having already made strategic investments in various health-food and wellness brands. With a fortified team under Ms. Zuncic's leadership, Manna Tree is poised for remarkable advancements in the coming years.