EMERYVILLE, CALIF. — Sheila Stanziale has been named chief executive officer of Mighty Leaf Tea, which operates as a stand-alone company owned by Peet’s Coffee and Next World Group, a privately-held investment firm.
“Mighty Leaf Tea is an exceptional brand, and I’m a longtime fan of the company’s dedicated passion to crafting the finest quality teas from around the world,” Ms. Stanziale said. “It’s an honor to join Mighty Leaf’s talented team and work with them to further build upon the brand’s great success and momentum in the specialty tea category.”
Ms. Stanziale brings to the position 20 years of food service and premium beverage brand experience with various senior leadership positions at Nabisco, General Mills, Kraft, PepsiCo, Diageo-Guinness USA and most recently as president of U.S. baby and refrigerated juice at The Hain Celestial Group.
In her role as c.e.o. of Mighty Leaf Tea, Ms. Stanziale will have responsibility for the company’s global business with all functions reporting to her. Also, she will serve on and report to Mighty Leaf Tea’s board of directors comprised of executives from both Peet’s Coffee and Next World Group.
“Sheila is an accomplished executive in the premium beverage and food service industries, and we’re proud to have her on board as Mighty Leaf’s new c.e.o.,” said Dave Burwick, president and c.e.o. of Peet’s Coffee. “With her strong leadership background at some of the world’s largest iconic beverage brands, we know she’s the right person to lead the way for Mighty Leaf’s continued growth and acceleration over the next several years.”
In addition to the hiring of Ms. Stanziale, Mighty Leaf said it will debut its hot, iced and bagged tea products in Peet’s stores beginning this month. Also, Mighty Leaf will roll out a series of new tea products over the next few months starting with four 15-count packaged teas ($8.95 per box) in all Peet’s retail stores, wholesale channels and major grocery stores. The new products include: Green Tea Tropical — smooth green tea leaves blended with tropical fruit notes; Chamomile Citrus — sweet, apple-like chamomile with a citrus finish; Organic Breakfast — robust, malty blend of organic black teas; and Organic African Nectar — rich organic rooibos with tropical flavors.
Mighty Leaf Tea said it will announce more new products and beverages in the coming months.