People on the move: Twinlab, Nutrition 21, AIC, and more
Direct Selling Association: Ryan Napierski, President of Nu Skin, Chairman of the Board of DSA
Nu Skin president Ryan Napierski has been selected to sit as chairman of the board of the Direct Selling Association, a trade group representing multi-level marketing companies. He began his one-year appointment as chairman at the DSA Annual Conference on June 4.
Napierski, who has been serving as treasurer of the DSA board for the past year, is the second Nu Skin executive to serve as chairman of the DSA. Nu Skin's former CEO, Truman Hunt, held this position from 2014 to 2015.
"I am proud to be affiliated with so many outstanding member companies and suppliers and am excited to work with our DSA leadership team," said Napierski. "Our team will focus on three key objectives this year – ensuring the reputation of the direct selling industry accurately reflects its integrity; repositioning our association to take full advantage of the macro trends of the gig economy, social sharing and the millennial workforce; and rejuvenating the industry to provide greater opportunities for all who seek the empowerment our industry has to offer."
Sabinsa: Lori Diez, Sales Manager (Texas)
Diez joined Sabinsa this year with 12 years of experience as a diabetes care specialist in specialty pharmaceutical sales for a large international manufacturer, where she was instrumental in growing product brands, as well as building strong business relationships with physicians and members of the primary care industry.
Lori also founded a non-profit foundation in 2016 to educate community leaders, healthcare providers and patients on juvenile diabetes in rural communities. Her foundation raises funds to send families to juvenile diabetic camps to increase their knowledge and skill-set in living with diabetes. Prior to entering the pharma industry, Lori taught marketing and trained marketing educators for the Texas Education Agency.
“I am honored to join Sabinsa and am excited to be a part of a company so deeply focused upon the improvement of health,” Diez said.
Lori holds a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Marketing Education Certification from Southwest Texas State University.
Twinlab: Carla Goffstein, Chief Financial Officer
SVP of finance Carla Goffstein was promoted to chief financial officer (CFO) of Twinlab Consolidated Holdings in April.
In the seven months leading up to her promotion, she has been serving as the company’s interim CFO, following Al Gever’s term. Goffstein will play a critical role as part of the senior leadership team, reporting to CEO, Anthony Zolezzi, and working with investors and the board of directors on strategic and financial decision making for the company.
“Carla exudes the right balance of intellect, entrepreneurial enthusiasm and big company discipline that will be necessary to take Twinlab to the next level of growth as part of the health care conversation,” said Anthony Zolezzi, CEO of Twinlab. “Securing the right talent for the Twinlab team is my focus right now, and Carla has exceeded our expectations during her interim role as CFO. She will help us bring Twinlab to an entirely new level of success.”
Goffstein joined Twinlab in January 2018, after a 22-year career with Procter & Gamble serving in different financial management roles and most recently serving as their associate director of finance for global business services. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in business and finance from Miami University.
American International Chemical: Darren Birkelbach, President
Birkelbach was named president of American International Chemical (AIC), a subsidiary of LBB Specialties, in May. Prior to joining AIC, Birkelbach worked at Brenntag Specialties.
A seasoned industry executive with over 25 years of experience in specialty chemical distribution, Birkelbach brings broad functional expertise to AIC. Prior to joining Brenntag, Birkelbach spent 13 years in the specialties industry at Mineral and Pigment Solutions and Crozier Nelson, with responsibilities spanning operations to sales.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting, with a minor in marketing, from the Stephen F. Austin State University.
Nutrition 21: Aimee Masterson, Marketing Director
Masterson will take over the Marketing Director position from Mallory Junggren, who will transition to a new role in the company’s direct-to-consumer women’s health business (Bonafide).
Masterson brings over 10 years of experience in the business-to-business space, specifically focused on product management, development, and marketing. As the previous Marketing Manager at PLT Health Solutions, Aimee managed a diverse portfolio of branded ingredients and worked to facilitate brand growth, from launch to maturation.
“I am excited about returning to the natural products industry with Nutrition 21," Masterson said in a press release. "Joining an organization where science and R&D are at the forefront of the business is exhilarating, especially at a time when health and wellness are such a priority and are valued at a premium.”
NOW Health Group: Peter Wardell, Country Leader of Puresource
Wardell was named Country Leader of Puresource, the Canadian distribution and manufacturing division of the family-owned NOW Health Group. He replaced Mark Chilvers, who retired after many years with the company.
“I’m very pleased to be joining NOW Health Group, a company that demonstrates its founding values every day,” said Wardell. “As the head of Puresource, I welcome the opportunity to continue to support and grow the impact the company has in promoting healthy lifestyles in Canada.”
Peter brings nearly two decades of experience in both for-profit and non-profit organizations, most recently with Health First Network in Ontario. He has an undergraduate degree in business management and marketing from Georgian College in Barrie, Ontario and a B.B.A. in business management and marketing from Northwood University in West Palm Beach, Florida.
