Feb 24, 2017

Russell Evans Joins Highland Consumer Partners as an Operating Partner, Brand Marketing Expert 2/23/17 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 .