KAT COLE

Kat Cole stands as a formidable figure in the world of business, celebrated for her exceptional operational leadership, strategic vision, and impactful investment and advisory roles. Currently serving as the President and COO of Athletic Greens, the company behind the popular daily nutritional supplement AG1, Cole brings her unparalleled expertise in scaling global consumer brands to the health and wellness sector. Her involvement with Athletic Greens exemplifies her commitment to businesses that are not only innovative but also poised for significant market disruption and growth.

As an investor and advisor, Kat Cole focuses on a diverse portfolio, primarily targeting companies within consumer goods, food and beverage, health and wellness, and technology. Her investment philosophy is deeply rooted in her extensive operational background, allowing her to identify businesses with strong fundamentals and provide invaluable strategic guidance beyond just capital. She seeks out opportunities where her experience in brand building, operational efficiency, and market expansion can drive substantial value creation.

Cole's career trajectory is nothing short of inspiring. She began her journey at Hooters as a hostess, rapidly ascending through various roles to become the company's Vice President of Training and Development by the age of 26. This foundational experience honed her skills in leadership, culture building, and operational excellence. She then made a pivotal move to Cinnabon, where as President, she spearheaded a remarkable turnaround, expanding the brand's global footprint and diversifying its product offerings. Her success at Cinnabon led to her promotion to President and COO of FOCUS Brands, overseeing a portfolio of iconic brands including Auntie Anne's, Moe's Southwest Grill, Schlotzsky's, Carvel, Jamba, and Cinnabon, collectively generating billions in annual revenue.

Beyond her executive roles, Kat Cole is a highly sought-after board member and strategic advisor. She has served on the boards of prominent companies such as WW International (Weight Watchers) and Slice, contributing her insights to guide their growth and innovation strategies. Her advisory work extends to numerous startups and established enterprises, where she helps founders and leadership teams navigate complex challenges, optimize operations, and achieve scalable growth. While specific "notable investments" in the traditional venture capital sense are often private, her deep involvement and strategic influence in the companies she advises and leads are widely recognized as significant contributions to their success. Kat Cole's unique blend of hands-on operational experience and strategic investment acumen makes her a powerful force in today's business landscape, continually shaping the future of consumer-facing industries.