Beyond Meat Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Driven by a commitment to sustainable food production, Beyond Meat transforms the global protein market through innovative plant-based meat alternatives that replicate the taste and texture of traditional animal products.

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 - Teri Witteman
  • Ethan Brown - Founder & President & Chief Executive Officer

    Ethan Brown, the Founder & President & Chief Executive Officer at Beyond Meat, directs the overarching corporate strategy and long-term vision for plant-based protein innovation. Brown architects the expansion of beef, pork, and poultry alternatives across international markets, ensuring alignment with the company mission to improve human health and environmental sustainability. By managing relationships with the Board and key stakeholders, the Founder & President & Chief Executive Officer maintains focus on scaling manufacturing capabilities to meet rising global demand. This leadership role involves constant evaluation of market trends to maintain a competitive edge in the food industry. Ethan Brown drives the development of new product platforms, ensuring that every offering meets rigorous quality standards. Through consistent oversight of organizational growth, the Founder & President & Chief Executive Officer secures the financial and operational health of the enterprise while advancing the transition toward a more sustainable food system.
    Ethan Brown

    Jonathan Nelson - Chief Operations Officer

    Jonathan Nelson, the Chief Operations Officer at Beyond Meat, manages the complex manufacturing and supply chain logistics required to produce plant-based meat products at scale. Nelson optimizes production efficiency across all facilities, ensuring that beef, pork, and poultry alternatives reach grocery, mass merchandiser, and food-away-from-home channels without interruption. By coordinating with procurement and distribution teams, the Chief Operations Officer maintains the integrity of the supply chain while driving cost-effective manufacturing processes. This role involves overseeing North American and international production capacity to support rapid market expansion. Jonathan Nelson monitors operational metrics to identify bottlenecks and implements solutions that enhance output quality. Through rigorous management of daily operations, the Chief Operations Officer ensures that the company meets the high volume requirements of club stores and restaurant partners, ultimately supporting the broader goal of making plant-based protein accessible to consumers everywhere.

    Shira Zackai - Chief Communications Officer

    Shira Zackai, the Chief Communications Officer at Beyond Meat, directs the global brand narrative and public relations strategy to strengthen market positioning. Zackai architects messaging that highlights the benefits of plant-based meat products, effectively engaging consumers, retail partners, and foodservice outlets. By managing corporate reputation and media relations, the Chief Communications Officer ensures that the company mission remains central to all public discourse. This leadership role involves coordinating with marketing teams to launch campaigns that drive awareness across diverse retail channels. Shira Zackai oversees the dissemination of information regarding product innovation and sustainability impact, ensuring consistency across all platforms. Through strategic communication, the Chief Communications Officer builds trust with investors and the public, facilitating the company's growth in the competitive food sector. By articulating the value proposition of beef, pork, and poultry alternatives, Zackai secures the brand's status as a leader in the plant-based industry.
    Shira Zackai
    Teri Witteman, the Chief Legal Officer & Secretary at Beyond Meat, manages all legal affairs, regulatory compliance, and corporate governance matters. Witteman architects the legal framework necessary for international expansion, ensuring that product labeling and distribution practices adhere to diverse regional standards. By overseeing intellectual property protection and contract negotiations with major retailers and foodservice partners, the Chief Legal Officer & Secretary mitigates risk and supports the company's commercial objectives. This role involves advising the Board on governance policies and maintaining the integrity of corporate records. Teri Witteman directs the legal team in addressing complex regulatory challenges inherent in the food manufacturing industry. Through meticulous oversight of legal operations, the Chief Legal Officer & Secretary ensures that the company maintains compliance while pursuing aggressive growth strategies. By providing essential legal guidance, Witteman protects the company's assets and supports the successful execution of its long-term business model.

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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.