Mark Isaacson - photo

Isaacson has more than 30 years’ experience in the commodities and food industry

Gut health challenger brand Bio&Me has appointed Mark Isaacson as COO as it prepares to scale the business and launch new products.

The move follows a six-figure investment from former Vita Coco CEO Giles Brook, who joined as lead investor and advisor last month.

Isaacson has more than 30 years’ experience in the commodities and food industry, starting his career with agricultural group Dalgety in trading, procurement and logistical roles, rising to CEO in 2005.

He then moved to food coatings specialist Bowman Ingredients as commercial director before leaving to set up as an independent consultant in 2017 after nine years in the role.

Isaacson consulted for a number of clients in the food industry, most recently with Bio&Me, which led to the offer of the COO role.

Bio&Me co-founder and CEO Jon Walsh said: “Following Giles’s investment, we are delighted to welcome Mark onboard.

“His wealth of experience on the purchasing side will enhance our ability to procure more unique, gut-healthy ingredients. And his manufacturing expertise is vital as we now scale our business and prepare for our next major NPD launch.”

Nutritionist Dr Megan Rossi launched the initial four-strong range of Bio&Me granola into Booths and Planet Organic in November 2019. The brand has since rapidly grown retail distribution and expanded into muesli and porridge, with a recent launch in Sainsbury’s.

Isaacson added: “It’s an exciting time to join Bio&Me as we lead the way on gut health.

“Working with Dr Megan, the challenges of sourcing the very best ingredients for gut health as well as expanding the Bio&Me portfolio to drive category growth are just two of the areas I am most looking forward to getting stuck into.”