Brian Durkee is an impact-driven business leader, an educator, and an advocate for change. With more than 25 years in leadership roles in the natural / specialty food industry, he is a dynamic, results-oriented leader with a strong track record of successfully planning, implementing, and directing all facets of strategic and operational activities in multiple rapidly growing, entrepreneurial environments. Brian currently serves as CEO for Numi Organic Tea, where he has been instrumental to the company’s growth and organizational development for several years. In addition to leading the Numi team and driving overall company strategy and culture, Brian has been an active decision maker in all areas of the business. He has managed strategic partnerships, financial planning and execution, sales and marketing initiatives, global supply chain developments, and product innovation. He travels abroad frequently and has worked intimately with customers and suppliers from more than 35 countries.Brian has also focused his efforts on developing many of the company’s award-winning sustainable and socially responsible initiatives, including advancements in sustainable packaging, fair trade practices, and creating direct relationships that foster improved standards of living in the developing nations where tea is produced. As an advocate and leader for social and sustainable change in the food industry, Brian speaks regularly at universities and industry events. His work is often featured in online and print media, including numerous business textbooks.Brian Durkee holds an MBA from Saint Mary’s College and graduated Cum Laude from the University of San Francisco with a B.S. in Systems Management. He is also an Adjunct Professor in the DMBA program at California College of the Arts.