WELLESLEY, Mass., Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Highland
Consumer Partners, a private investment firm that provides equity
capital to lower middle-market companies across North America in the retail, consumer, and
services industries, today announced that brand marketing expert
Russell Evans has joined the firm as
an Operating Partner. Russell joins Highland with a deep
understanding of consumer behavior and marketing having built his
career with such leading brands as Gillette, Duracell, Dole and
most recently leading the marketing efforts at FAGE.
As Director of Marketing for FAGE USA Russell was responsible for overseeing and
leading the brand that launched the Greek yogurt category in the
US. Russell spearheaded FAGE's groundbreaking marketing
programs, including the "Some People" TV campaign and the FAGE
Total Plain Kitchen which exemplified the brands unique premium
positioning.
Mr. Evans was a member of senior management team and responsible
for building a team of professionals and partnerships that helped
FAGE to become one of the largest yogurt brands in the Unites
States. This included the introduction of the brand on
national TV, print, social/digital and sponsorships/spokesperson.
Russell has been interviewed and quoted on FOX News, NPR,
Wall Street Journal, Adweek and in the New
York Times.
Prior to leading the brand at FAGE, Russell was Senior Marketing
Manager for North America for DOLE
packaged salad division where he led a major segmentation and
rebranding of the line. Earlier in his career, he served in
Brand management roles for Gillette on the DURACELL, RIGHT GUARD/
RIGHT GUARD EXTREME SPORT/ GILLETTE SERIES. His career has brought
him to international postings in both Latin America and Asia.
"Russell is an accomplished Marketing leader with experience in
building successful brands both internationally and domestically,"
said Peter Cornetta, Managing
General Partner with Highland Consumer. "As a brand builder and
champion, Russell has developed an exceptional track record in the
consumer products arena. He has shown a unique ability to
build long term consumer relevant brands that are in a class of
their own. Russell's experience of growing and creating
market leading brands will help drive our focus on innovative and
disruptive companies."
"I am delighted and honored to partner with Highland Consumer.
They have shown themselves to be true partners with emerging brands
as they become more active investors in the consumer products and
food segments," said Russell
Evans. "I am excited to both aid in evaluating new
opportunities and help the firm's consumer portfolio companies'
strategic growth initiatives."
Peter Cornetta, added, "The
addition of Russell emphasizes the Highland Consumer Partners model
of marrying operating and investing expertise to help scale
growth-stage companies. We believe it is an excellent time to
consider further investments in the consumer products and food
sectors and Russell will be instrumental in advising us in this
pursuit."
About Highland Consumer Partners
Highland
Consumer Partners specializes in retail, services and consumer
products investment opportunities in growth-focused companies with
proven business models, operating in attractive growth
markets. Highland brings together an investment team with
extensive experience founding, growing, operating and investing in
successful consumer companies. It also offers companies a
unique value proposition through the hands-on guidance and active
involvement of its operating partners. Highland Consumer
Partners has invested in such firms as Paint Nite, Ren's Pets
Depot, DavidsTea, J.McLaughlin, Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy,
Trupanion, and Merrick. For more information, visit
Highland's web site at www.highlandconsumer.com.
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SOURCE Highland Consumer Partners