Beyond Meat Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Beyond Meat has 4 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, communications, and legal.

Driven by a mission to revolutionize protein, Beyond Meat is dedicated to creating delicious, nutritious, and sustainable plant-based meat products that offer consumers a better choice for their health and the planet.

Leadership Roles at Beyond Meat

  • Founder & President & Chief Executive Officer - Ethan Brown
  • Chief Operations Officer - Jonathan Nelson
  • Chief Communications Officer - Shira Zackai
  • Chief Legal Officer & Secretary - Terri Witteman
  • Ethan Brown - Founder & President & Chief Executive Officer

    Ethan Brown, the Founder & President & Chief Executive Officer at Beyond Meat, directs the overarching strategy and vision for the company's plant-based meat products. Brown architects the global expansion and market penetration of Beyond Meat's beef, pork, and poultry alternatives across diverse retail and foodservice channels. Overseeing product innovation, Brown ensures the development of new plant-based offerings that align with consumer demand for healthier and more sustainable protein sources. This leadership role involves driving operational excellence and fostering strategic partnerships to advance the company's mission. By championing the plant-based movement, Ethan Brown solidifies Beyond Meat's position as a leader in the alternative protein industry, impacting global food systems and consumer choices.
    Ethan Brown

    Jonathan Nelson - Chief Operations Officer

    Jonathan Nelson, the Chief Operations Officer at Beyond Meat, executes the company's manufacturing and supply chain strategies for its plant-based meat products. Nelson oversees the production processes, ensuring efficiency and scalability across domestic and international operations. This role involves managing the procurement of raw materials and optimizing distribution networks to meet market demand for Beyond Meat's beef, pork, and poultry alternatives. By driving operational improvements, Jonathan Nelson supports the company's commitment to delivering high-quality, sustainable products to grocery, mass merchandiser, club stores, and natural retailer channels. Nelson's focus on operational integrity directly contributes to Beyond Meat's ability to expand its market reach and fulfill its mission.

    Shira Zackai - Chief Communications Officer

    Shira Zackai, the Chief Communications Officer at Beyond Meat, shapes and disseminates the company's brand narrative and public relations strategy. Zackai directs all internal and external communication efforts, amplifying Beyond Meat's mission to create a sustainable, healthy, and delicious plant-based protein future. This leadership position involves managing media relations, corporate social responsibility initiatives, and stakeholder engagement across diverse platforms. By crafting compelling messaging, Shira Zackai enhances the company's reputation and market presence, ensuring alignment with its product offerings in beef, pork, and poultry alternatives. Zackai's strategic communication efforts support Beyond Meat's growth in grocery, foodservice, and international markets.
    Shira Zackai
    Terri Witteman, the Chief Legal Officer & Secretary at Beyond Meat, provides strategic legal counsel and ensures corporate governance compliance. Witteman oversees all legal affairs, including regulatory matters, intellectual property, and contract negotiations critical to the development, manufacturing, and sale of plant-based meat products. This role involves safeguarding the company's interests and mitigating risks across its U.S. and international operations. By managing legal frameworks, Terri Witteman supports Beyond Meat's expansion into various retail and foodservice channels. Witteman's expertise ensures that the company operates within legal boundaries while pursuing its mission to offer sustainable protein alternatives.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Beyond Meat Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Beyond Meat?
    Beyond Meat is led by Ethan Brown (Founder & President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Jonathan Nelson (Chief Operations Officer) and Shira Zackai (Chief Communications Officer).
    Who is part of Beyond Meat’s executive team?
    The executive team of Beyond Meat includes leaders such as Ethan Brown (Founder & President & Chief Executive Officer), Jonathan Nelson (Chief Operations Officer), Shira Zackai (Chief Communications Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Beyond Meat have?
    Beyond Meat has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Beyond Meat’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Beyond Meat includes roles such as Founder & President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operations Officer, Chief Communications Officer, Chief Legal Officer & Secretary.