Powers joined NOW in 1974 and during his illustrious career he received the President's Award for Excellence in Exporting from President George W. Bush on behalf of NOW, was the recipient of Nutrition Business Journal's Lifetime Achievement Award in 2010, and was recognized for his 20 years of work with Vitamin Angels in early March when NOW was acknowledged as one of their founding supporters.
“Al has been an excellent and productive leader for NOW, and our entire industry, for 40 years,” said Elwood Richard, NOW Foods Founder and NOW Health Group Board Chair. “He has been a fine example of our core values of care for our customers, our employees, our community, and our environment. Among his many accomplishments has been leading NOW to become the largest independent manufacturer of natural products in the U.S. health food store channel.”
Powers will remain on several of the NOW board committees, including the Charitable Committee, which was founded through his leadership. He will also continue to represent the company in the health industry and provide counsel to the NOW board and company leadership.
“We have a great team at NOW that I am confident will continue to propel the company forward under Jim’s leadership and fulfill NOW’s mission to provide value in products and services that empower people to lead healthier lives,” he said.
In-coming CEO Jim Emme joined NOW in 1995 and has been a key player in NOW’s global expansion efforts, and instrumental in developing the operational resources and facilities in North America that support NOW’s ability to be a value brand, yet provide unparalleled quality.
“NOW‘s mission and achievements inspire people to commit their careers to this company, as Al has demonstrated,” said Emme. “I intend to continue creating an environment where it’s both rewarding and fulfilling to be part of the NOW team.”