8-K: Zevia Appoints Marketing Veteran Suzanne Ginestro to Board

Zevia PBC announced the appointment of Suzanne Ginestro, CMO of Califia Farms, as an independent director to its Board, effective January 7, 2026, while Justin Shaw will step down on February 24, 2026.

Summary

• Zevia PBC appointed Suzanne Ginestro as an independent Class II director, effective January 7, 2026, upon the recommendation of the Nominating and Enterprise Risk Management Committee.
• Ms. Ginestro will serve until the Company's 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, when she will be subject to re-election, and has been appointed as a member of the Board's Compensation Committee.
• She brings over 25 years of marketing expertise across the food, beverage, and wellness industries, with prior roles including Chief Marketing Officer at Califia Farms and Quest Nutrition, and Chief Marketing and Innovation Officer for Campbell Fresh.
• Justin Shaw, a current member of the Board, notified the Company of his resignation, effective February 24, 2026.
• Mr. Shaw's decision to resign was not a result of any disagreement with the Company or the Board on any matter relating to operations, policies, or practices.
• Ms. Ginestro is entitled to receive the standard compensation for service on the Board by non-employee directors, as described in the Company's proxy statement for the 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
• The Company expects Ms. Ginestro to enter into its standard director and officer indemnification agreement.

Sentiment

Score: 7

Explanation: The filing announces a positive change in board composition with the addition of a highly experienced marketing executive, which is generally viewed favorably for strategic growth. The departure of an existing director is noted as amicable, mitigating potential negative sentiment.

Positives

• The appointment of Suzanne Ginestro brings extensive marketing and brand-building expertise (over 25 years) from the food, beverage, and wellness sectors, enhancing the Board's strategic capabilities.
• Ms. Ginestro's experience includes successfully scaling brands, driving expansion in competitive markets, and leading significant growth initiatives at companies like Califia Farms, Quest Nutrition, and Campbell Fresh.
• Her addition diversifies the board and strengthens capabilities in strategic and operational leadership, brand stewardship, and high-growth business experience.
• Ms. Ginestro's background aligns with Zevia's strategic vision of balancing creative brand vision with disciplined commercial execution, which is expected to help the company reach its full growth potential.

Negatives

• Justin Shaw, a long-serving member, is stepping down from the Board, which could represent a minor loss of institutional knowledge, although his departure is stated as not being due to any disagreement.

Future Outlook

The company expects Ms. Ginestro's guidance to help propel Zevia forward and contribute to its continued success, leveraging her experience in strategic brand-building to reach full growth potential and deliver lasting value for stakeholders.

Management Comments

• Paddy Spence, Chair of the Board: "We are thrilled to welcome Suzanne to our Board. With over 25 years of experience in brand building, product portfolio strategy and consumer engagement across premium, better-for-you, consumer categories, Suzanne is an accomplished executive leader with significant experience driving business strategies that build a runway for long-term growth. Her proven ability to scale brands and drive expansion in competitive markets will be instrumental as we continue to expand and deliver lasting value for our stakeholders."
• Paddy Spence, Chair of the Board: "We also want to express our appreciation for Justins long service to the Company and his contributions to the Board throughout."
• Amy Taylor, Chief Executive Officer and Board member: "We look forward to working with Suzanne and believe she will be a tremendous asset to the Board. Suzannes background combining strategic and operational leadership, brand stewardship, and high-growth business experience further strengthens board capabilities, and we are confident her guidance will help propel us forward."
• Suzanne Ginestro: "I am honored to join Zevias Board of Directors. I look forward to leveraging my experience in strategic brand-building to help Zevia reach its full growth potential. Throughout my career, I have balanced creative brand vision with disciplined commercial execution, which aligns strongly with Zevias strategic vision. I look forward to contributing to the Companys continued success."

Industry Context

The appointment of a seasoned marketing executive like Suzanne Ginestro, with deep experience in the 'better-for-you' food and beverage sector, reflects Zevia's continued focus on brand building, consumer engagement, and market expansion within the highly competitive zero-sugar and natural beverage industry. Her background at companies like Califia Farms and Quest Nutrition, which have successfully navigated evolving consumer preferences towards healthier options, positions Zevia to potentially strengthen its market position and innovation pipeline.

Management Changes

Corporate Governance

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: Potential positive impact due to enhanced strategic guidance from a director with strong brand-building and growth experience, aiming for long-term value creation.
• Management/Employees: New board member brings fresh perspectives and expertise that could influence strategic direction and operational execution.

Next Steps

• Suzanne Ginestro will be subject to re-election to the Board by a vote of the Company's stockholders at the 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
• Ms. Ginestro is expected to enter into the Company's standard director and officer indemnification agreement.

Key Dates

Recommendation

The appointment of Suzanne Ginestro is a positive step, bringing valuable marketing and brand-building expertise to the board, which could support Zevia's long-term growth strategy in the competitive 'better-for-you' beverage market. The amicable departure of Justin Shaw does not signal any internal discord. However, this governance change alone is unlikely to be a catalyst for immediate significant share price movement. Investors should 'hold' and monitor future operational and financial performance to assess the tangible impact of this enhanced board capability.

Keywords

Zevia, Board of Directors, Suzanne Ginestro, Justin Shaw, Corporate Governance, Food and Beverage, Marketing, Consumer Goods, NYSE:ZVIA, Califia Farms, Quest Nutrition