Smith Teamaker Names New CEO Internationally Acclaimed Premium Tea Company Welcomes Darren R. Marshall to the Team

PORTLAND, Ore., Feb. 21, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Smith Teamaker, the leading American tea company devoted to uncommonly good taste, has announced the appointment of Darren R. Marshall as its new CEO. Marshall assumed responsibilities on January 15, 2018. "Darren is going to take Smith Teamaker to the next level," said Kim DeMent-Smith, Smith Teamaker co-founder and board member. "His deep marketing expertise, aptitude for growing companies, passion for quality and his team player attitude make him an ideal fit," continued DeMent-Smith. "He is the right person to lead Smith Teamaker through the next stage of growth." Marshall brings 25 years of experience growing consumer-oriented businesses across the global beverage and luxury sectors. He has held global and domestic marketing, commercial and general management roles at The Coca-Cola Company, while based in six countries internationally, and commercialized transformational product, brand and retail platforms as the Executive Vice President of the global cultural icon Steinway & Sons. Marshall has developed a proven record of developing highly engaging brands, omni-channel commercial experiences and highly engaged, high-performance teams. He holds an MBA from the Ivey Business School, and is a board member of fashion innovator Maximum Henry. "The Board and I are confident that Darren is the right person to build on Smith's current momentum," said Managing Partner of NextWorld Evergreen and board member, Sebastien Lepinard. "He is a seasoned leader who brings tremendous passion and vision. We are lucky to have him as our next CEO." "I am delighted and excited to join the Smith team," said Marshall. "Smith Teamaker has that rare combination of a passionate and talented people, leading products, dedication to creativity and innovation, and momentum in the market. The company is positioned to revolutionize the beverage industry. I'm honored to join the leadership team and all the great people that have fueled Smith Teamaker." About Smith Teamaker Founded in 2009 by the late legendary teamaker, Steven Smith and his partner Kim DeMent-Smith, Smith Teamaker is a line of highly curated teas that showcase Smith Teamaker's artful talent for creating unexpected combinations with complex flavors and aromas – such as White Petal, a delicate and floral white tea blended with osmanthus and chamomile petals. Smith was the craftsman behind two of the nation's biggest and best tea brands, Stash and Tazo. Today, Tony Tellin, Steven's protégé of 17 years, and the rest of the Smith team create magic in their headquarters in Portland. The mission at Smith is to elevate the tea experience by creating teas made with transparency to the source, artful blending and constant innovation. Teas are available online at www.smithtea.com and at specialty retail stores across the nation. About NextWorld Evergreen NextWorld Evergreen is a San Francisco-based strategic equity firm focused on providing growth capital to the branded consumer sector, with a commitment to personal care, specialty retail, packaged goods, food & beverage. NextWorld seeks to partner with talented innovators, pioneers and change agents to build authentic brands with lasting value and global potential. The firm operates from a unique long-term evergreen structure. SOURCE Smith Teamaker Related Links http://www.smithtea.com