Mark Rampolla is a Co-Founder and Managing Partner at PowerPlant Partners. Mark plays an integral and active role in all aspects of Powerplant’s business, including, but not limited to, the overall management of all firm operations, deal sourcing and leading deal diligence. Additionally, Mark represents PowerPlant on the following boards:  Vive Organic, OWYN, Liquid Death, ZICO Rising, Flying Embers, The Collaborative, Partake Brewing, and REBBL/Chameleon Coffee.

Prior to founding PowerPlant, Mark was the Founder and CEO of ZICO Beverages, one of the trailblazers of today’s billion dollar global coconut water category. Under Mark’s leadership, ZICO delivered nine years of explosive growth, became one of the fastest growing beverage brands in the world and was acquired by The Coca-Cola Company in 2013.

Prior to launching ZICO, Mark held a variety of management positions for International Paper, including global marketing manager for the $100M aseptic packaging division and managing director for the Beverage Packaging and Food Service divisions in Latin America and the Caribbean. In that role, Mark was responsible for five joint-venture plants generating $100M in revenue, as well as the oversight of more than 300 employees and customers in 20 countries.

Mark has advised more than 100 CEOs, helped raise more than $1B and personally invested in more than 30 social-impact startups across, food, beverage, technology, and energy. Throughout his career, Mark has served on the boards of directors of more than 30 companies, as well as a board member and chairman for the Trade and Economic Policy committee for the American Chamber of Commerce of El Salvador during the CAFTA negotiations.

Mark began his career as a small-business development volunteer for the Peace Corps in Costa Rica. He is a graduate of Marquette University and has an MBA from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business and a Master’s of Environmental Management, also from Duke.

Dan Gluck is a Managing Partner at PowerPlant Partners. Having joined in January 2018, Dan decided to leverage his experience as an institutional investor, entrepreneur in the CPG food sector, and passion for health and wellness. Dan plays an integral and active role in all aspects of PowerPlant’s business, including, but not limited to, the overall management of all firm operations, deal sourcing and leading deal diligence. Dan also represents PowerPlant on the following boards: Miyoko’s, Zico Rising, Your Super, Thistle, Jot Coffee, and Rae Wellness.

Driven by his deep passion for physical fitness, sports, and competitive races, prior to joining PowerPlant, Dan was Co-Founder and Board Chairman of Health Warrior, a plant-based superfood CPG food company, which was created in 2012. The company’s debut product was a 100 calorie Chia bar which became the #1 best-selling new bar in the natural channel in 2013. Today, Health Warrior products are sold in ~13,000 stores complemented by a robust DTC platform.

Dan’s early-stage operational experience includes early trend spotting, product innovation, branding, organizational development, sales strategy, and financing. Health Warrior was purchased by PepsiCo in October 2018.

From 2001 to 2015, Dan was a Portfolio Manager, Partner and Executive Committee Member at Weiss Multi-Strategy Partners, an investment management firm based in NYC. As a Partner and Executive Committee Member, Dan created and implemented strategic business initiatives for the firm and helped it grow from a family office to a multi-billion dollar SEC registered investment adviser. At peak, Dan was personally responsible for managing $1B of gross AUM and invested in a wide breadth of companies, across the capital structure, and with investments spanning the globe from the U.S., LatAM, Europe, Middle East, to Asia.

Dan lives in Mill Valley near PowerPlant’s Bay Area office with his wife and two children. He spends his free time running, mountain biking, and hiking with his family. Dan graduated from Colgate University with a Bachelor of Arts in 2000.

Kevin Boylan is a Co-Founder and Senior Advisor at PowerPlant Partners. Kevin co-founded Veggie Grill, the largest 100% plant-based restaurant company in the United States. He co-architected the brand and concept and led all aspects of financing the company’s growth. Veggie Grill has been named one of the “25 Most Innovative Consumer Brands” by Forbes.

Prior to entering the food arena, Kevin was the founder and CEO for 15 years of Standard Capital Group (“SCG”). SCG was an investment banking firm that provided investment banking services to middle market companies. SCG offered a range of services including private debt and equity financings, merger and acquisition advice, and sale advisory. The company specialized in arranging both private debt and equity capital from $10M to $150M. SCG arranged capital for transactions including refinancing/debt consolidation, management buyouts, leveraged recapitalization, and acquisition financing. SCG raised capital for companies in industries including business services, consumer products, distribution, healthcare, and industrial products.

Prior to founding SCG, Kevin spent 10 years at investment bank Drexel Burnham Lambert where he worked his way to Senior Vice President in the High Yield & Convertible Securities department under Michael Milken. Collectively, Kevin participated in the structuring and placement of 100’s of financings across a myriad of industries during his 25 years on Wall Street.

Kevin has a BS in Business Administration from Arizona State University and currently serves on the advisory boards of The Good Food Institute, Tufts University Friedman School for Entrepreneurship, and UCLA School of Law Resnick Program for Food Law and Policy.

T.K. Pillan is a Co-Founding Partner at PowerPlant Partners. T.K represents PowerPlant on the following boards as either a member or observer: Zero Egg, Nutriati, and Veggie Grill.

T.K. co-founded Veggie Grill, the largest 100% plant-based restaurant company in the United States. With his passion for Veganisim primarily driven by his Mother’s food-is-medicine philosophy, T.K co-architected the brand and led all aspects of early company growth. Veggie Grill has been named one of the “25 Most Innovative Consumer Brands” by Forbes. His Mother’s constant sharing of eastern wisdom, while letting him find his own way in American culture, allowed T.K. to find a true calling in the creation of Veggie Grill and its mission to change American food culture for the better.

Prior to entering the food arena, T.K. co-founded Guidance Solutions, one of L.A.’s first e-commerce development firms. As EVP and Board Member, he led the technology services firm from start-up through rapid growth including managing sales & marketing, client services, strategic planning, and finance at various stages. Guidance was recognized by Deloitte & Touche as one of the 15 fastest growing technology companies in Los Angeles in 1999, 2000 and 2001. The company continues to operate today.

T.K. earned an engineering degree from MIT and an MBA from UCLA.

As a consumer-focused investor, George has combined his passion for creativity and for helping others into a career focused on building and growing great businesses. At PowerPlant, he is a leader of the firm’s investment team and is actively involved in shaping strategy, sourcing new investment opportunities, and working closely with our portfolio companies to drive growth.

Prior to joining PowerPlant, George was a Principal at Eurazeo, a global investment firm with over $30 billion of AUM. As one of the original team members of Eurazeo’s consumer growth equity fund, Eurazeo Brands, he helped create a strategy, build a team, and invest $800 million across over a dozen businesses. Prior to Eurazeo, George began his investing career with VMG Partners in San Francisco, and previously held roles at Heineken NV and Rothschild.

Having moved to the U.S. at a young age, George grew up with diverse perspectives and a curiosity for all things global, leading him to study international affairs and business at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service. After identifying his interest in investing, he earned an MBA from The Wharton School and an MA in International Studies from the Lauder Institute at the University of Pennsylvania. He is fluent in French, Spanish, and Russian.

George loves to travel and is always seeking adventure. When in California he enjoys exploring the state’s many parks, especially the Point Reyes National Seashore. He lives on Shelter Island, NY where he and his husband have lovingly restored a 19^th century house and take every opportunity to bike, run, swim, and sail around the scenic east end of Long Island with their dog.

As a consumer-focused investor, Logan has combined his passion for creativity and for helping others into a career focused on building and growing great businesses. At PowerPlant, he is a leader on the firm’s investment team and is actively involved in shaping strategy, sourcing new investment opportunities, and working closely with our portfolio companies to drive growth.

Prior to joining PowerPlant, Logan was an investment professional at Vance Street Capital, a middle-market private equity firm focused on partnering with entrepreneurs and management teams across various industries to accelerate revenue growth and improve operations. Prior to Vance Street, Logan began his finance career at Evercore, a leading global independent investment bank, and previously was a Deals Strategy consultant at PwC.

Logan graduated with High Honors from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business, where he earned a B.S. in Finance.

In his free time, he enjoys soaking in the California sunshine jogging or hiking, exploring new cities, rooting on his favorite sports teams (go Hoosiers!) and contributing as a mentor in the Los Angeles community.

Jigar is a Senior Associate at Powerplant Partners. He is a leader on the team and is responsible for sourcing and evaluating new investment opportunities as well as supporting portfolio companies. At PowerPlant, Jigar has the opportunity to bridge his professional experience with his personal passions of sustainability, improving nutrition, and holistic wellness.

Prior to joining the firm, Jigar was an investor at Touchdown Ventures where he helped launch and manage corporate venture capital programs, and focused on investing in consumer products and technology.

Jigar started his career as an investment banking analyst at Wells Fargo, supporting several M&A and capital raising transactions. Jigar graduated from the University of Michigan (Go Blue!) with a bachelor’s in business administration and a minor in economics.

Originally from New Jersey, Jigar spent several years in New York and currently lives in the San Francisco Bay Area.  In his free time, Jigar enjoys time spent outdoors with friends and family. He also enjoys live music, playing tennis, and riding his road bike.

As an Associate at PowerPlant Partners, Kelly is a key member of the investment team who identifies companies, conducts diligence, executes transactions, and supports existing portfolio companies. Her role allows her to combine her intellectual curiosity and passion to create meaningful impact with her financial background to empower disruptive, purpose-driven companies to achieve their full potential.

Kelly graduated magna cum laude from the University of Notre Dame with a bachelor’s degree in finance and was a member of the women’s varsity volleyball team. Before joining PowerPlant, Kelly was an investment banking Associate at Citigroup.

Energized by the mission of PowerPlant, Kelly joined the firm in 2021. She believes that financial results are inextricably linked to the impact a company makes on the world and that investing in companies offering healthier, more sustainable options generates a greater return for all.

Growing up as a competitive athlete, Kelly has always been passionate about health and wellness. She currently lives in Hermosa Beach, California and loves hiking, bike rides, long beach days, traveling, and laughing with family and her closest friends.

With a passion for healthy living and sustainability, Alice joined PowerPlant Partners excited to support founders and businesses dedicated to making a positive impact. At PowerPlant, Alice is a key member of the firm’s investment team and is actively involved in sourcing new opportunities, leading due diligence and deal execution, and fostering strong partnerships with our portfolio companies.

Prior to joining PowerPlant, Alice was an Associate at Freeman Spogli & Co., a middle-market private equity firm investing and partnering with consumer-related and distribution companies in the United States. Prior to Freeman Spogli, Alice began her career as an Investment Banking Analyst at Perella Weinberg Partners. Alice graduated summa cum laude from the University of California, Los Angeles with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Economics and a minor in Accounting.

As a Southern California native, Alice thrives in warm weather and loves spending time outdoors, especially at the beach. She currently resides in Los Angeles, where she enjoys spending her free time weightlifting, golfing, surfing, traveling, and exploring the LA dining scene.

As Chief of Staff for PowerPlant Partners, Nicole Montano is a self-proclaimed wellness junkie. PowerPlant’s vision and mission to make the world a better, healthier place was an inspiring path that she aligned with deeply. Since joining in 2019, Nicole works with Mark Rampolla, our Co-Founder and Managing Partner, and supports the firm on a broad level.

Prior to joining PowerPlant, Nicole supported several high-net-worth family offices and was the Director of Operations at a VR Production company.

Nicole holds a B.A. from the University of North Texas and is a certified Reiki Master and Meditation Guide. A highlight of her week is sharing her passion of mindfulness by leading the team in a weekly meditation.  When she is not trying out the latest clean beauty or wellness product or cleanse, you can find her at her pottery studio or exploring trails and parks with her pups.

As Head of IR and Marketing, Kathryn leads the firm’s strategic growth and marketing strategy, manages LP relationships, and institutionalizes various aspects of the firm including its ESG & impact strategy, LP pipeline development, and day-to-day operations of the firm. She is passionate about both personal and business growth and uses her inquisitive nature surrounding technology, world events, and interpersonal dynamics to help drive the firm’s strategy to meet LPs’ needs.

Kathryn brings over 20 years of experience in the financial industry, sixteen of which have been in institutional asset management. She started her career in New York as an analyst at Bank Julius Baer covering distressed hedge funds in the early 2000s before becoming a Senior Hedge Fund Research analyst where she was responsible for investing in long/short equity and relative value arbitrage hedge fund strategies in the U.S. and Europe. After Julius Baer, Kathryn spent over seven years at GAM as Director of Institutional Sales where she and her partners spearheaded the entry of the firm’s hedge fund of funds business into the U.S. institutional market through pension funds, foundations and endowments, and investment consultants.

With parents who are entrepreneurs, Kathryn grew up in an environment where risk taking, self-starting, exploring and go-getting was the norm. While at GAM and after the financial crisis, she noticed that there was a large gap in knowledge between Main Street and Wall Street when it came to financial education. In 2013 she saw an opportunity in the market and used her passion for finance, marketing, digital media, comedy, and took a leap. Kathryn left the asset management industry after thirteen years and founded a financial media company which she ran for three and a half grueling years.

Her empathy for entrepreneurs and deep interest in the financial markets eventually lead her to the private markets, and her role at PowerPlant Partners specifically, where she marries her asset management experience with her passion for entrepreneurs, risk takers, and the financial markets.

Having recently moved from Santa Monica, Kathryn lives in Mill Valley near PowerPlant’s Bay Area office. She graduated from UC Berkeley with a BS from the Haas School of Business and is enjoying reconnecting with many of her college peers for hikes, runs, and tennis.

Coming soon

Tahra Makinson-Sanders joined the team as an Executive Assistant in 2022. Mission driven work has been at her core. After a career in journalism, working for a national park and starting her own women’s sportswear business, Tahra found PowerPlant Partners to be a perfect fit. Working with a team that is passionate about fitness, healthy lifestyles and the power of food has been her dream come true.

Dennis Macray served as SVP/Chief Impact Officer at REBBL, responsible for impact strategy and initiatives across the company, publishing REBBL’s first Impact Report, and implementing critical regenerative business practices in operations. From 2014-18, Mr. Macray was Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Theo Chocolate, responsible for company operations including bean-to-bar chocolate production, and creating sustainable business practices along the value chain, including Theo’s innovative cocoa sourcing from the Democratic Republic of Congo. From 2010-2014, Dennis Macray led his own strategic management consultancy whose clients included The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, The Dutch Sustainable Trade Initiative (IDH), The World Cocoa Foundation, The Hershey Company, and the Eastern Congo Initiative. Mr. Macray served as Director of Global Responsibility at Starbucks Coffee Company from 2002-2010 where he led the development of ethical sourcing standards for coffee (C.A.F.E. Practices), food and manufactured goods.  Mr. Macray was responsible for the Starbucks Annual CSR Impact Report data collection across global operations during a period of growth from 5,000 stores to 16,500 producing the first widely recognized ESG Reports. Previously, Mr. Macray worked with several global nonprofits, start-ups, and private companies in Latin America and Africa, and served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Guatemala.  He is a graduate of Harvard and has an MBA from the University of California at Berkeley.

Adam Lowry is a former climate scientist and the founder of several mission-driven businesses, including Method Products, Ripple Foods, and Sugarbreak, all public benefit corporations.  Adam designs businesses with sustainability principles at their core, so that their growth produces positive social and environmental impacts.  His businesses have eliminated more than a million tons of GHG emissions and thousand tons of plastic waste, saved more than 100 billion gallons of water, and created hundreds of green manufacturing jobs on four continents; all while creating more than a billion dollars in shareholder value.

Adam’s companies have been named #7 on the Inc 500 list of fastest growing private companies in the US; #16 on Fast Company’s Fast 50 World’s Most Innovative Companies; and twice named to the Global CleanTech 100.  Adam has contributed countless innovations to the sustainable business space that span from packaging to green chemistry to urban revitalization. 

Adam has been honored as recipient of The Circular Economy Award from the World Economic Forum and the Global Citizen Award from the Clinton Global Initiative for his leadership in the private sector.  Adam is a Catto Environmental Fellow at the Aspen Institute and holds a B.S. Chemical Engineering from Stanford University. 

Tom O’Rourke joined the PowerPlant team as an Operating Advisor in 2021. Tom works closely with our team and our portfolio companies to help achieve strategic objectives. He brings 30+ years of experience building and leading high-growth food companies.

Tom is the former CEO of Snack Factory, the parent company of Pretzel Crisps®, and grew the brand from ~$40M to ~$130M within 3 years, resulting in a successful sale to Snyder’s-Lance, Inc. (Nasdaq: LNCE) for $340 million.

He is also the former lead Operating Partner for VMG Partners, and a former Operating Partner for TSG, and has served as a board member, lead strategist, and advisor across other leading consumer brands, such as Vega, Babyganics, Health Warrior, Quest Nutrition, KIND Healthy Snacks, Pirate Brands, and several more. The combined enterprise value of brands he has worked on exceeded $3 billion at exit.

Mr. Muth is a senior leader with strong background in building winning organizational cultures with both large and small companies.

Most recently he served as the Chief Growth Officer at Beyond Meat from May 2017 until June 2021. Muth led the company’s growth initiatives and was instrumental in engineering a high performing sales and marketing organization. Under Muth’s leadership, the company rapidly grew Net Revenues from $16M in 2016 to over $400 in 2020 by expanding distribution into over 120,000 retail, restaurant and foodservice outlets in more than 80 countries worldwide.

Prior to joining Beyond Meat, Mr. Muth had a long career in the beverage industry. From 2014 to 2016, he led the creation of a new entrepreneurial sales/commercial organization, Venturing & Emerging Brands (VEB), within the Coca-Cola Company as Senior Vice-President with revenue increases of over 200%. From 2010 to 2014, Muth was Vice President of Sales at the Honest Beverage Company after its acquisition by Coke growing revenues from $35 million to over $230 million. From 2004 to 2010 Muth was Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing at The Philadelphia Coca-Cola Bottling Company. Prior to 2004 Muth served as the Vice President/General Manager of Joseph E. Seagram’s global non-alcoholic beverages business unit.

Muth began his career as a Truck Driver/Route Salesman for The Coca-Cola Bottling Company of New York where he progressively advanced his career with promotions to District Sales Manager, Division Sales Manager, Director of Brand Management and Branch General Manager.

Muth serves as a board director at Vive Organics, Partake Foods, ZICO Rising and Infinite Foods. Muth is a graduate of Montclair State University with a BS degree in Marketing and Management and where he currently serves on their business advisory board. Muth also has an MBA in Finance from Fairleigh Dickenson University.

Rebecca Messina currently serves on the board of two PowerPlant Partners portfolio companies: Vive Organic and Zico.  She has deep experience in building global brands and most recently served as Uber Technologies first-ever CMO with the charge to build a centralized, global marketing organization for the San Francisco-based company.

Rebecca previously spent more than two decades at Coca-Cola, most recently as Senior VP of Marketing and Innovation, Venturing and Emerging Brands. She was there for the introduction of the polar bears, the “Coca-Cola. Enjoy” campaign at the turn of the millennium, and the unveiling of the “one-brand” marketing strategy under Marcos de Quinto, CMO at the time, with the tagline “Taste the Feeling.”

In early 2016, she took on the role of senior VP and Global CMO at Beam Suntory, a Deerfield, Ill.-based company that had at the time undergone its own dramatic changes: It was created in 2014 when Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan acquired Beam Inc. for about $16 billion.

She left Beam Suntory in the second half 2018 when she joined Uber.