The basics:
- Hain Celestial appointed interim CEO Alison Lewis to the role permanently
- Lewis has led cost-cutting and margin improvement efforts since May
- The CPG veteran previously held senior roles at Kimberly-Clark and J&J
- Hain continues to streamline its portfolio amid declining sales
As Hain Celestial continues efforts to shore up its struggling business, the Hoboken-based consumer packaged goods giant named interim CEO Alison Lewis to the post permanently.
Appointed in May following Wendy Davidson’s departure, Lewis has focused on ramping up the company’s existing turnaround campaign, according to Hain.
In a Dec. 15 announcement, the company said it’s “pleased with the bold moves” Lewis has already taken to reduce costs and the plan she put into place to “drive margins and growth.”
A 35-year veteran of the CPG industry, Lewis served as chief growth officer of Kimberly-Clark Corp. from 2019 to 2024. Her background also includes executive marketing roles at Johnson & Johnson and The Coca-Cola Co.
Before being tapped as interim CEO and president at Hain, she was a member of the company’s board of directors. She will continue on the board, according to Hain.
Citing Lewis’ “deep CPG expertise and track record of strong performance,” board Chair Dawn Zier said, “We believe she is best equipped to create shareholder value and lead Hain as our next CEO.”
Lewis commented, “I am honored to lead Hain Celestial and look forward to delivering our strategy to reposition the company for a stronger future. Over the last several months, the company has been intensely focused on our initiatives to stabilize sales, improve profitability, optimize cash, and deleverage our balance sheet. I am proud of the work we are doing and confident in our ability to drive future value for all stakeholders.”
Leadership changeups
Food Dive noted that Lewis is the third CEO to run Hain in the last three years. Davidson was ousted in May after just over two years in the top role.
Once a leader in the better-for-you space, Hain has faced competition in recent years from larger consumer packaged goods companies, such as Nestle and General Mills. It’s also battling headwinds such as inflation, supply chain disruptions and the pandemic.
Founded in 1993, Hain has a vast portfolio of natural foods and beverages and botanically based personal care products. Banners include Celestial Seasonings tea, Garden of Eatin’ snacks, Terra chips, Garden Veggies Snacks, Earth’s Best baby foods, Greek Gods yogurt, Covent Garden soups, Live Clean personal care products and Alba Botanica natural sun care.
Shortly after relocating from New York to New Jersey two years ago, Davidson unveiled a multiyear transformation strategy to get the business headed in the right direction. Through that program, Hain targeted $130 million to $150 million of annualized savings by fiscal year 2027.
In support of the goal, Hain said it refreshed the C-suite, paid down some debt, increased marketing, doubled down in innovation and sold non-core brands, such as Thinsters and ParmCrisps. The company also said it was exploring a possible sale of its personal care business to concentrate further on food and beverages.
Not enough
However, Hain’s financial situation has worsened despite these efforts.
Under a revised strategy announced by Lewis in September, Hain is “aggressively streamlining our portfolio, accelerating innovation, implementing pricing along with revenue growth management, driving productivity and working capital efficiency, and enhancing digital capabilities.”
Nonetheless, challenges remain. In its most recent quarter ending Sept. 30, net sales were $368 million, a 7% year-over-year decline.
