Encore Consumer Capital (“Encore”), a private equity firm based in San Francisco that focuses exclusively on investing in consumer products companies, announced today that Steve Mintz has joined their investment team as an Operating Partner. In his role as an Operating Partner, Steve will work closely with the leadership teams at Encore’s portfolio companies to help guide strategic planning, drive growth and operational efficiency improvements, and evaluate new investment opportunities.
Steve brings more than 30 years of experience as an executive, operator, and advisor of businesses across a variety of food and beverage sectors. Steve began his career at General Foods (now the Kraft Heinz Company) where, over 13 years, he held positions of increasing responsibility including Vice President of Marketing for Established and New Brands in the $800 million Beverage Division. Steve developed the first of its kind in-store branded merchandising program that drovesignificant incremental profitability while building brand awareness. He also ran a boutique M&A advisory firm, Mintz & Co., where he served as a lead M&A advisor for several companies in the natural and organic industry including Horizon Organic Dairy, Ethnic Gourmet Foods, Autumn Harp cosmetics and Corn Nuts snacks. Most recently, Steve has worked with Charterhouse Group International on a number of investments in the food industry, including as the Chairman of Rudi’s Organic Bakery, which was acquired by Hain Celestial. Steve is currently a board member of the Encore portfolio companies Ancient Harvest and Fantasy Cookie Company. “I am excited to have the opportunity to join Encore Consumer Capital and play an integral role in growing their businesses to increase the value of their portfolio,” commented Mintz.
“We are thrilled to partner with Steve. He brings a wealth of valuable operating and advisory experience and leadership capabilities to the team, demonstrated by the outstanding results he has delivered throughout his successful career,” said Robert Brown, Co-Founder and Managing Director at Encore Consumer Capital.
Steve received an AB degree from Hamilton College and an MBA from Harvard University.