Miyoko's Creamery Appoints New CEO Months After Firing Founder/CEO

Vegan dairy company Miyoko's Creamery has hired Stuart Kronauge, CPG veteran and former Coca-Cola executive, to fill the shoes of founder and former CEO Miyoko Schinner. 

In February, the board of directors at the creamery fired Schinner with no reason other than the company was entering "a new stage of growth." Jon Blair, Miyoko’s Creamery chief financial officer, was named the company’s interim president at the time.

Kronauge's appointment comes after a search process led by executive search firm, Heidrick & Struggles. 

Prior to the new appointment, Kronauge spent 20 years at The Coca-Cola Co. in senior leadership roles including president of USA Operations and senior vice president of Marketing. Following, she served as chief marketing officer at plant-based nutrition brand, Beyond Meat, before entering her most recent role as chief executive officer of The Juice Plus+ Co.

“We are thrilled to welcome Stuart to the Miyoko’s team and are confident in her abilities to lead the brand through its next exciting chapter,” said James Joaquin, co-founder at Obvious Ventures and Miyoko’s Creamery board member. “Her passion for the industry and operational skillset, coupled with her mission-based approach, allows for great momentum and brand growth in a category that continues to celebrate innovation and new disruptors.”

“Stewarding the next era of the leading plant milk dairy brand is a serendipitous next step in my career and personal journey, as a plant-based eater myself,” said Kronauge. “Organically a Miyoko’s loyalist for many years, I’m enthused to continue the important mission and core values of craft, compassion, conviviality, and courage on which the company was founded.”