Finlays Solutions expands advisory board with industry leaders Kristin Bird and Trevor Bynum

Finlays Solutions, a global leader in B2B beverage solutions, has bolstered its advisory board with two seasoned food service industry leaders, Kristin Bird and Trevor Bynum. The appointments, announced on September 1, 2026, come at a critical juncture as the company prepares for accelerated growth following its integration of Leahy-IFP in 2025.

Kristin Bird, the president of food service at The Marzetti Company, and Trevor Bynum, the former president and CEO of Welch Foods, join Jennifer Aspen Mason, a founding member of the advisory board, in providing independent expertise. The expanded board brings a wealth of experience in food service, beverage and consumer products, commercial growth, innovation, sustainability, and strategic transformation.

"We are excited to welcome Kristin and Trevor to our advisory board," said Darnell Ross, CEO of Finlays Solutions. "Their extensive experience and leadership in the food service and beverage industries will be invaluable as we continue to drive sustainable growth for our clients."

Established in April 2026, the Finlays Solutions Advisory Board serves as a strategic counsel to senior leadership, guiding the company's mission to deliver sustainable growth in natural beverages for leading brands, retailers, and food service operators. The board members bring a diverse range of perspectives, complementing each other's strengths.

Jennifer Aspen Mason, who serves as the Executive Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer at J.M. Huber Corporation, brings deep expertise in innovation, sustainability, and strategic growth. Kristin Bird, with over 25 years of experience in the food service industry, has led substantial growth in the food service division of The Marzetti Company since 2019. Trevor Bynum, who previously led Welch Foods through a multi-year turnaround, adds significant operational and commercial leadership to the board.

"Kristin and Trevor's appointments enhance our board's ability to provide expert guidance and strategic direction," Ross added. "Their insights will be crucial as we capitalize on the unique advantages we've created by combining tea, coffee, fruit-based beverages, botanicals, and aseptic manufacturing under one roof."

The advisory board includes founding members Sean Pelling, Group Financial Director of John Swire & Sons (Chairman), James Woodrow, Managing Director of James Finlay Limited, and Julian Rutherford, CFO & COO of James Finlay Limited. The board is rounded out by Darnell Ross, CEO of Finlays Solutions, and Brent Fayhee, CFO of Finlays Solutions.

Headquartered in Glenview, Illinois, with operations across Illinois, Rhode Island, Texas, the U.K., and Kenya, Finlays Solutions specializes in high-quality tea, coffee, botanical, and fruit-based solutions and aseptic manufacturing. The company's customer-centric approach and deep industry knowledge position it as a trusted partner, offering expert guidance and comprehensive support throughout the development journey.