Herbert Mines Assists Hint with CEO Search
December 13, 2024 – New York-based retail and consumer focused executive search firm Herbert Mines Associates has placed Michael Pengue as the new CEO of Verlinvest-backed Hint Inc., makers of unsweetened flavored still water. “The appointment of new leadership and incremental capital to further solidify the company and position it for future growth,” the company said.
Mr. Pengue is a seasoned executive in the better-for-you beverage sector. He brings more than three decades of experience in the beverage industry, including senior executive roles at Keurig Dr Pepper, BAI Brands, where he helped facilitate the company’s sale to Dr Pepper Snapple, and Nestlé Waters. Most recently, Mr. Pengue served as CEO of ZOA Energy, the brand created by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, which just saw Molson Coors take a majority stake in the business.
“The chance to join Hint – a great brand and a leader in the healthy hydration sector – is incredibly exciting for me,” said Mr. Pengue. “As consumers continue to look for and engage with healthier beverage options, I see tremendous opportunity to drive the growth of the Hint brand.”
Hint is a San Francisco-based beverage company with the mission of helping people fall in love with water by making water taste great. Hint infuses purified water with natural essences that create unique and delicious flavors without adding any sugar, diet sweeteners, or calories. Hint has more than 25 flavors and comes in still and sparkling varieties, as well as a kids line. Verlinvest is a family-owned investment company that focuses on building and accelerating brands. Verlinvest first invested in Hint in April 2008.
Established in 1978, Herbert Mines is a specialist search firm focusing on the retail, fashion and apparel, beauty, consumer products and services, hospitality, leisure, restaurant, and digital/technology industries. The firm is noted for its C-suite recruiting work. Herbert Mines has conducted upwards of 3,600 searches during the tenure of Hal Reiter, who joined the firm in 1993 as president, and was appointed chairman and chief executive officer in 1998.
Related: Herbert Mines Associates Recruits Chief Merchandising Officer for Claire’s Holdings
Brenda Malloy is the firm’s CEO. She brings over 40 years of experience to Herbert Mines Associates. During her career, she has authored numerous articles on retail CEO succession, omnichannel leadership, in addition to being a featured speaker at the National Retail Federation’s annual convention in New York City. Working with leading retailers at the senior most–levels to assemble winning leadership teams, Ms. Malloy primarily recruits board directors, CEOs, and their direct reports for publicly traded, privately held and private equity backed companies spanning vertical specialty, lifestyle and branded retail, off-price/value, grocery, hardlines, mass, and the specialty department store sectors.
Past Assignment
Herbert Mines also recently assisted in the recruitment of Aina Konold as the new CFO of PacSun. She succeeded Russell Bowers, who was appointed chief operating officer of the company last year. “We are pleased to welcome Aina Konold to our leadership team as Pacsun’s new CFO,” said Brie Olson, CEO of PacSun. With Aina’s wealth of experience and extensive background in retail, digital, and international expansion, we are confident she will be a valuable addition to our team and a key driver in shaping PacSun’s future.”
“Special thanks to Kristin Dennehy and Herbert Mines Associates for your dedication and unwavering support in helping us find such a charismatic and talented leader to join our team,” said Ms. Olson said.
Ms. Konold has two decades of experience in specialty apparel retail. Most recently, she was CFO of BowFlex Inc., the fitness training equipment company, where she led finance, strategy, business development and IT functions. She has also held positions at Gap, Inc., notably as senior director of real estate strategy and finance at Old Navy, where she opened about 300 new stores, and as senior director of investor relations. Ms. Konold was the founding CFO of Gap Inc. China, working in Shanghai and opening nearly 200 stores, while launching e-commerce businesses across mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan.
Related: Herbert Mines Assists Cooks Venture with CEO Search
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
