Vital Farms Announces Orderly Board Leadership Transition
Vital Farms (Nasdaq: VITL), a Certified B Corporation known for its ethically produced, pasture-raised foods, has announced an orderly transition in its Board leadership designed to support the company’s continued growth and long-term strategic ambitions. The leadership update reflects a carefully considered succession plan that aligns governance with the company’s operational momentum and its stated objective of scaling toward $2 billion in net sales by 2030.
Founder Matt O’Hayer has stepped down from his role as Executive Chairperson and as a member of the company’s Board of Directors, effective February 24, 2026. O’Hayer, who established the company in 2007 and has served as Executive Chairperson since 2019, will remain connected to the organization in a non-employee advisory capacity. His transition marks the end of an era in formal governance leadership while preserving his strategic insight and institutional knowledge for the company’s next chapter.
To ensure continuity of strategy, leadership cohesion, and executional speed during a critical period of expansion, the Board has appointed Russell Diez-Canseco, currently President and Chief Executive Officer, to the additional role of Executive Chairperson of the Board. The Board’s decision reflects confidence in Diez-Canseco’s leadership capabilities and his deep familiarity with the company’s purpose-driven model, operational infrastructure, and growth strategy.
Honoring a Founder’s Vision and Impact
Under O’Hayer’s visionary leadership, Vital Farms evolved from a single farm in Austin, Texas, into a nationally recognized leader in ethical food production. The company played a pioneering role in developing and scaling the pasture-raised category, setting new standards for animal welfare, farmer partnerships, and transparency within the food industry.
What began as a mission-driven startup has grown into a widely distributed brand available nationwide, known for prioritizing ethical sourcing, responsible farming practices, and stakeholder-oriented business principles. O’Hayer’s entrepreneurial vision helped establish not only a differentiated product portfolio but also a corporate culture grounded in Conscious Capitalism — a philosophy that balances purpose and profit while creating long-term value for customers, farmers, employees, investors, and communities.
Throughout his tenure, O’Hayer championed a governance model that emphasized stakeholder accountability and long-term thinking. His leadership helped shape a brand identity rooted in trust and integrity, which has become a cornerstone of the company’s competitive positioning in the marketplace.
In stepping down from the Board, O’Hayer expressed confidence in the company’s trajectory and in the leadership team responsible for guiding it forward. He reiterated his belief that ethical food production can be successfully scaled without compromising core values, noting that the company remains well positioned to pursue its ambitious 2030 goals.
Russell Diez-Canseco’s Expanded Leadership Role
Russell Diez-Canseco’s appointment as Executive Chairperson builds upon more than a decade of leadership within the organization. Having joined the company over 12 years ago, he has played a central role in shaping its operational discipline, strategic growth initiatives, and financial performance.
As President and CEO, Diez-Canseco successfully led the company through its 2020 initial public offering, a transformative milestone that expanded access to capital and broadened the company’s shareholder base. Following the IPO, he guided the organization through a period of significant operational scaling and financial expansion, strengthening supply chain capabilities, enhancing brand reach, and reinforcing governance frameworks suitable for a publicly traded enterprise.
The Board believes that combining the roles of CEO and Board Chair at this stage of the company’s evolution provides unified leadership and clear accountability. The integrated structure is intended to enhance alignment between strategic oversight and day-to-day management, streamline decision-making processes, and reinforce stakeholder confidence during a period of accelerated growth.
In his remarks, Diez-Canseco acknowledged O’Hayer’s lasting influence on the company’s mission and culture. He highlighted the founder’s role not only in identifying an opportunity to deliver ethical food at scale, but also in building a purpose-driven organization with a distinct set of values. Diez-Canseco emphasized his commitment to carrying forward that legacy as the company works toward its ambition of becoming America’s most trusted food company.
Continued Independent Oversight and Governance Strength
Coinciding with the leadership transition, the Board reaffirmed that Denny Marie Post will continue serving as Lead Independent Director. Post brings more than four decades of executive experience across the consumer and hospitality sectors, offering seasoned oversight and governance expertise that supports the Board’s independence and accountability.
As Lead Independent Director, Post plays a critical role in maintaining a balanced governance structure. Her responsibilities include approving Board meeting agendas, calling meetings of independent directors, and presiding over executive sessions held without management present. These authorities reinforce the Board’s commitment to maintaining rigorous independent oversight, even as the CEO assumes the additional role of Executive Chairperson.
The Board emphasized that its committee structures and governance standards will remain firmly in place. Independent directors will continue to oversee key areas such as audit, compensation, and corporate governance, ensuring adherence to best practices and protecting shareholder interests. By reaffirming Post’s leadership position, the company underscores its dedication to transparency, accountability, and balanced decision-making.
Positioning for Long-Term Growth Through 2030
The leadership transition comes at a pivotal moment for Vital Farms as it advances toward its 2030 strategic targets. The company has publicly articulated a goal of achieving $2 billion in net sales by the end of the decade, supported by continued innovation, distribution expansion, operational efficiency, and brand investment.
The Board’s decision to consolidate leadership roles is intended to enhance strategic clarity and executional agility during this next phase of growth. With Diez-Canseco serving in a dual capacity, the company aims to foster seamless communication between management and the Board, align long-term vision with operational priorities, and accelerate progress toward its financial and mission-driven objectives.
At the same time, O’Hayer’s continued involvement in a non-employee advisory role ensures that the company retains access to his entrepreneurial insight and deep understanding of its founding principles. This hybrid approach balances continuity with evolution, preserving the company’s heritage while adapting its governance structure to meet the demands of a larger, publicly traded enterprise.
A New Chapter Built on Purpose and Performance
As Vital Farms enters this new chapter, the company’s leadership remains grounded in its founding values while embracing structural adjustments designed to support scale. The orderly transition reflects careful succession planning rather than reactive change, signaling stability to investors, partners, and employees alike.
By honoring the contributions of its founder, empowering its current CEO with expanded authority, and reinforcing independent oversight through experienced Board leadership, the company has positioned itself to pursue sustained growth without compromising its ethical commitments.
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