Founder Lynn Clarke - NACD Private Company Director of Year

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Lynn Clarke has two roles. She serves on several boards as Independent Chair or Director. Lynn is also an Operating Partner for early stage companies, guiding them to profit stage and exit. Lynn has been a CEO and has executive experience in the Fortune 50. She’s had CEO roles in private equity and in e-commerce. Lynn has worked in more than 10 diverse industries including: CPG, digital, manufacturing, home goods, energy, distribution, food service and technology. Lynn recently has been Interim CEO for two companies.   The National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) named her the Private Company Director of the Year for 2021-22.

Lynn was an executive at PepsiCo with roles in general management, branding, strategy, operations, manufacturing and distribution. After serving as CEO for two PE companies, she acquired and sold an award-winning e-commerce business in the upscale branded kitchen products/home goods category. 

As an independent director, Lynn’s goal is to advise companies on driving an entrepreneurial, high performance culture and expand profitable businesses via digital disruption and brand building. She helps guide company leadership to build a deep understanding of consumer and customer needs and meet those needs better than all competitors. 

Governance Experience - current

2022 to date Independent Board Member – Basic American Foods, Nom/Gov Chair

2020 to date Independent Board Member – A. Duie Pyle Transportation & Logistics

2020 to date Independent Board Member – Vollrath Manufacturing – Compensation chair, Audit committee member, Nom/Gov Chair (2020-22)

2019 to date Independent Board 

2018 to 6/22 Chairman – Nielsen-Massey Flavorings, Interim CEO - 2020, Audit Committee Member

Governance Experience - previous

2009 to 2022  Board Member - ABARTA Coca-Cola Beverages - Governance Chair, Member of  Finance & Compensation Committees,  Audit Chair (2011-13)

2018 to 2020 Chairman – Talalay Global Latex, Audit committee member – company sold in 2020

2014 to 2021 Board Member – visii.com – London based AI/visual search technology start up

2011 to 2014  Board Member - Trophikos Nutritional Supplements 

2009 to 2018 Board Member - Kahiki Frozen Foods – sold to S. Korean food company @ large revenue multiple 

2006 to 2008 Board Member - Wells Fargo (Wachovia) Mid-Cap Business Advisory Board

CEO/Leadership
2021 to date Operating Partner, Jelly Belly Sparkling Waters - zero sugar/natural flavored seltzers  expanding into national retail distribution

2020 to 2022  Operating Partner,The Feel Good Lab - cbd pain creams with test distribution in CVS, Target

2018 to 2021 Interim CEO, Board Member - Levia Beverages, sold to AYR Wellness (OTC:AYRWF)  6 months after roll out in Massachusetts

2005 to 2017  CEO, MetroKitchen.com, e-commerce only retailer of branded cookware, knives, appliances
2002 to 2004  CEO - Fox Run, kitchen products distributor to specialty retail
2000 to 2002  CEO/Board Member - Message Link, Inc., retailer/direct marketer of wireless products
1989 to 2000  PepsiCo - Marketing to division General Manager
 

Lynn is a frequent speaker at private company and entrepreneurial programs, including: Northwestern University Kellogg School, The Private Company Governance Summit, Family Business Consulting Group Chair Program, Google Digital Advertising/Search Conference. For the last three years, she has also been a judge for Deloitte’s Best Managed Company Awards. Lynn attended the YPO Harvard Business School leadership program and Wharton Business School Directors program. 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynnnclarke