BrightFarms has hired Steve Platt as chief executive officer, while the company’s founder, Paul Lightfoot, will continue as the company's president. Both Platt and Lightfoot will be members of the board of directors.

“I am privileged to be the next CEO of BrightFarms. This is an exciting time for the company and I look forward to working with Paul and the entire team to scale the company and deliver our salad greens to more retailers and consumers across the country,” said Platt. “BrightFarms is how Americans will consume produce — fresh, local and pesticide free.”Steve Platt and Paul Lightfoot.

Platt is a veteran CPG executive with experience growing brands and leading top category performers. Most recently he was CEO of Icelandic Provisions. During his tenure, the company grew to more than 6,500 retail stores and became one of the fastest-growing brands in dairy yogurt. Previously, he was an executive at Danone, where he led brands such as Dannon, Oikos, Danimals and YoCrunch.

“As founder, I’ve taken BrightFarms from an idea to the leader in next-generation indoor produce,” said Lightfoot. “Steve is a world-class CPG executive with an authentic passion for our mission and our products, and possesses the talent, experience and know-how to take the company to the next level.”

“The BrightFarms board of directors is delighted to welcome Steve. He is an exceptional business leader and a proven CEO. He has a track record of building dynamic and values-driven teams that deliver results,” said Brian Rich, managing partner at Catalyst Investors and BrightFarms board member. “With consumer trends pointing towards superior quality, differentiated, locally grown produce, Steve is well positioned to lead BrightFarms through its next period of rapid growth.”