Ethan Brown — Beyond Meat Inc.

Chief Executive

THE LATEST: Beyond Meat reported net revenue of $406.8 million in 2020, a 36.6% jump from 2019, and a net loss of $52.8 million. The maker of plant-based meat alternatives also formed a joint venture with PepsiCo Inc. to develop, produce and market snacks and drinks. In addition, the company will expand its collaboration with Louisville-based Yum Brands Inc. to co-create plant-based protein menu items for Yum’s KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell divisions. The company also entered into a three-year agreement with McDonald’s Corp. to be its preferred patty supplier for the McPlant burger, as well as plant-based substitutes for chicken, pork and eggs.
BACKGROUND: In 2009, Brown founded Beyond Meat, and the plant-based meat producer got backing three years later from venture firm Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers in its first financing round. Other investors have included Bill Gates, Tyson Foods and Obvious Corp., an incubator backed by Twitter Inc. co-founders Biz Stone and Evan Williams. Brown received the United Nations’ highest environmental accolade in 2018, Champion of the Earth. He holds an MBA from Columbia University and a bachelor’s degree in history and government from Connecticut College.
YEARS ON THE LA500: 2
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