The natural products industry veteran said it was a role he had always wanted, so when the opportunity presented itself, he knew it was destiny.
“I’ve had a productive relationship with AHPA since 2012, I’ve sat on the board with three different companies and just have learned a tremendous amount, both personally and then the companies I work for have benefited greatly,” Rigby said.
He shared his excitement about stepping into the role and said he intends to honor the legacy of his predecessor Michael McMuffin by promoting innovation and inclusivity within the organization.
“Michael inspired me in several different ways,” he said. “I think Michael led AHPA in a way that was both innovative and inclusive.”
As one example, he cited AHPA’s early decision to welcome CBD companies and the creation of a dedicated cannabis committee, as well as committees in other emerging areas like sports nutrition and psychedelics.
Under McGuffin’s leadership, AHPA also fostered a uniquely diverse membership, Rigby said, including botanical farmers involved in its botanical raw materials committee, small businesses represented through a dedicated committee and some of the world’s largest supplement companies.
“Representing all those diverse interests requires inclusivity and also being mindful of the different types of people that make the whole industry work, so I think I’ve really learned a ton from Michael to be both innovative and inclusive,” he noted.
Rigby said that he will prioritize listening to members, advocating for their interests and preparing for the future challenges of the industry over the next 25 years.
