Beyond Meat Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Driven by a commitment to innovation, Beyond Meat is dedicated to transforming the global food system by offering delicious, nutritious, and sustainable plant-based meat products, fostering a healthier planet and population.

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, architects the company's overarching strategy and operational direction. Overseeing the development, manufacturing, and marketing of plant-based meat products, Brown ensures alignment with the company's mission to transform the global food system. This leadership role involves driving innovation in product formulation and expanding market reach across grocery, mass merchandiser, club stores, and natural retailer channels, as well as foodservice outlets. By championing the company's vision, Ethan Brown guides the expansion into international markets, solidifying Beyond Meat's position as a leader in the plant-based sector. The Chief Executive Officer's focus remains on sustainable growth and delivering high-quality, plant-based alternatives that meet consumer demand for healthier and more environmentally conscious food options.
    Ethan Brown

    Jonathan Nelson - Chief Operations Officer

    Jonathan Nelson, the Chief Operations Officer at Beyond Meat, directs all aspects of the company's operational execution and supply chain management. Overseeing the manufacturing processes and ensuring efficient production of plant-based meat products, Nelson drives operational excellence across domestic and international facilities. This critical role involves optimizing production workflows, managing inventory, and maintaining stringent quality control standards to meet the growing demand for Beyond Meat's beef, pork, and poultry alternatives. By focusing on scalable operations, Jonathan Nelson ensures that the company can effectively serve diverse distribution channels, including grocery, mass merchandiser, club stores, and natural retailers, as well as foodservice partners. The Chief Operations Officer's strategic initiatives are vital for maintaining product availability and supporting the company's global expansion efforts, directly impacting the company's ability to deliver on its mission.

    Shira Zackai - Chief Communications Officer

    Shira Zackai, the Chief Communications Officer at Beyond Meat, shapes and disseminates the company's narrative and brand messaging. Overseeing all internal and external communications strategies, Zackai ensures consistent and impactful representation of Beyond Meat's mission and product offerings. This leadership position involves managing public relations, corporate communications, and stakeholder engagement to build and maintain a strong brand reputation in the competitive plant-based food market. By developing compelling communication campaigns, Shira Zackai highlights the benefits of Beyond Meat's plant-based alternatives, focusing on taste, nutrition, and sustainability. The Chief Communications Officer's efforts are crucial for fostering positive relationships with consumers, media, investors, and other key stakeholders, thereby supporting the company's growth and market penetration across various retail and foodservice platforms.
    Shira Zackai
    Terri Witteman, the Chief Legal Officer & Secretary at Beyond Meat, provides strategic legal counsel and ensures corporate governance compliance. Overseeing all legal affairs, Witteman manages regulatory matters, intellectual property, contracts, and litigation to safeguard the company's interests. This essential role involves advising the executive team and the Board of Directors on legal implications related to product development, market expansion, and operational activities within the United States and internationally. By ensuring adherence to all applicable laws and regulations, Terri Witteman supports Beyond Meat's mission to transform the food system responsibly. The Chief Legal Officer's expertise is critical for navigating the complex legal landscape of the food industry, protecting the company's assets, and facilitating its continued growth and innovation in the plant-based meat sector.

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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.