A well-structured and established board is paramount for LOONAWELL as the company navigates fast-paced growth, in uncharted territory, aiming at becoming the world’s leader in premium dog nutrition. Meet the brilliant minds that constitute the LOONAWELL Board of Directors and read, in their own words, why they have decided to join and invest in this world of healthy dog living.
Stewart Harris
Chairman of the LOONAWELL Board
Head of Group Finance Functions & Business Development at Givaudan
“The Board of Loonawell is designed to bring together a broad suite of skills and experiences to support the management of the company and to represent the interests of all of the stakeholders of Loonawell. The key matters for the Board include subjects like strategy, governance, and mentorship as well as working closely with management to build a robust framework to support the growth of the company. In my personal case, I have more than 30 years of experience in the Finance area, within large multinational companies across diverse geographies and have also led both the Corporate Strategy and the Mergers and Acquisitions functions at Group level for a Swiss-listed group. I was drawn to Loonawell by the passion and vision that Maria has for creating the 1st truly premium brand in the pet nutrition market and I am hugely excited to be part of the Board that can hopefully support Maria and her team in realizing their vision!”
Sebastian Romero Melchor
Member of the LOONAWELL Board
Partner at Food Compliance Int.
“Despite a childhood filled with stories, classic films, and my dad’s piano melodies, I chose diving deep into the world of law, eventually carving a niche as a recognized expert in food law. My travels across the globe exposed me to a harsh reality: the murky world of food quality and transparency, especially concerning pet food. LOONAWELL’s dedication to using only premium, organic, and human-grade ingredients resonated with both the lawyer and the storyteller in me because making pet food that can also be eaten (with delight) by his owners is not only a captivating story, but it’s true and authentic, just like LOONAWELL’s founder, Maria. Joining the board feels like the perfect blend of my passions. I am hoping that my legal expertise, combined with a storyteller's eye for detail allows me to shape LOONAWELL's narrative. Together with the board, I want to ensure that our story of integrity, sustainability, and pet well-being is not only compelling but also legally sound and that it is clearly communicated to everyone. Just like a well-crafted film, LOONAWELL deserves a narrative that's captivating, true, and fosters trust.”
Caspar Coninx
Member of the LOONAWELL Board
Head of Employee Data, Analytics and Experience at MIGROS Group
“My aim is to see LOONAWELL not just as a leader in dog nutrition but also of innovation, where the convergence of data, human resource strategies, and a passion for pet wellness creates a new standard in the industry. My expertise in analyzing data trends and employee engagement strategies has equipped me with a unique lens through which I view LOONAWELL's potential. As a board member, I leverage my expertise to support the CEO in building a resilient and high-performing team, as well as a culture where employees feel valued, supported, and engaged, a key aspect to secure a successful Series A funding round. Together, we ensure that LOONAWELL builds the organizational capabilities to remain agile, adaptive, and well-positioned to capitalize on emerging opportunities in the pet nutrition market.”
Dr. Maria de Bettencourt Tavares
Member of the LOONAWELL Board
Founder and CEO of LOONAWELL AG
“As both the CEO and sole founder of LOONAWELL, I am deeply invested in the company's success and committed to realizing our vision of becoming the most trusted pet food brand in the world and the leader in the newly created real premium pet nutrition. Additionally, serving as a board member, I bring scientific and strategic leadership and firsthand insights from the company's operations. This dual role, and the close proximity to our board facilitates agile decision-making, enabling us to adapt swiftly to market dynamics, capitalize on opportunities, and navigate challenges effectively, ultimately driving our success.”
In the dynamic world of young companies, success is not merely measured by financial gains but by the impact created and the values upheld. As LOONAWELL continues to pioneer the way forward in the realm of healthy dog living, its Board of Directors remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering a culture of integrity, and innovation. Together, they stand poised to navigate the challenges ahead, leading LOONAWELL to even greater heights of success while staying true to its core mission of enhancing the lives of dogs and their owners alike.
