Impossible Foods’ Founder & CEO Stepping Down; Former Chobani Leader to Take Helm

In a March 17 blog post, Impossible Foods founder and CEO Pat Brown said that he will step down from the plant-based meats leader on April 4, to be succeeded on that date by Peter McGuinness, who just stepped down as president and COO of dairy giant Chobani on March 11.

Peter McGuinnessMcGuinness spent the past nine years at Chobani, including the last three as its president and adding the COO title in September 2020. He has 30 years of consumer experience.

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“Given the momentum of our business, our accelerating product pipeline, ongoing international expansion and the magnitude of our mission, the leadership demands of the commercial business will inevitably continue to grow,” Brown said in his post.

Brown — who founded Redwood City, CA-based Impossible in 2011 — will continue as a director for Impossible and taking the role of chief visionary officer. Pat BrownHe will report to Impossible’s board of directors, leading the company’s research and technology innovation, strategic initiatives and public advocacy. He said he will work with McGuinness on Impossible’s long-term strategy.

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“Having now spent many hours in conversation with Peter, I and the rest of the Impossible leadership team and our board of directors are excited and confident that he is the right person for this role,” Brown said. “He’s committed to our mission, he loves our brand and products, he shares our values, and he’s a proven leader with years of experience leading an innovative and rapidly growing food brand.”

With McGuinness, Impossible’s top leadership going forward will also include president Dennis Woodside and CFO David Borecky.