Search Mandate
Lotus Foods, a mission-driven B Corp, was at a critical juncture. As a small but rapidly growing rice products company in the Bay Area, the organization needed strategic hires to help it scale while staying true to its sustainability and business goals. The company’s CEO, Andrew Burke, knew of Noto Group’s track record in the natural food and sustainability sectors and appreciated the executive search firm’s B Corp certification, which aligns with Lotus Foods’ core values.
The objective was clear: recruit a Chief Financial Officer and a Sustainability Manager—two roles essential for the company’s long-term success. The Chief Financial Officer needed expertise in both financial planning and analysis (FP&A) and accounting, with experience guiding a small company through fast growth. The Sustainability Manager required hands-on experience in developing and executing global sustainability initiatives for food companies. Both hires needed to be mission-driven, adaptable, and ready to build infrastructure for the company’s next phase.
One of the key challenges was that the Bay Area is one of the most expensive job markets in the U.S., which significantly narrowed the candidate pool. Many professionals with the right experience were either unwilling to relocate or expected higher compensation than initially planned. Additionally, Lotus Foods sought candidates who were not just experienced but deeply committed to sustainability and growth in the food sector.
Our Approach
To address these challenges, Noto Group launched two parallel executive searches tailored to the Bay Area, prioritizing candidates with local expertise due to the region’s high cost of living and commuting challenges. The team employed a strategic approach to sourcing candidates, leveraging its deep network in mission-driven consumer brands to identify individuals with the necessary blend of experience, culture fit, and a strong belief in Lotus Foods’ mission.
“Noto Group was incredibly thorough in their process and took the time to really understand our business needs … We see them as a key partner not just for recruiting but for our broader organizational development.”
— Andrew Burke, CEO, Lotus Foods
Results
Noto Group successfully placed Ted Mosely as Chief Financial Officer. Mosely is a finance and accounting executive who brings more than 12 years of experience leading high-performance teams in the CPG industry. Mosely is spearheading financial infrastructure improvements at Lotus Foods, focusing on optimizing accounting and FP&A processes to support rapid growth.
Claire Loudis, a sustainability professional in food and agriculture, was placed as Sustainability Manager. Loudis brings years of experience in data analysis, corporate sustainability strategies, and knowledge of farm level systems and policies. She has taken the lead on expanding Lotus Foods’ sustainability practices, ensuring the natural foods company continues to push forward its environmental mission at a global level.
“Noto Group is the best I have worked with at finding and helping us secure the right talent for our organization. They will remain a key partner to Lotus Foods as we continue on our growth trajectory.”
— Andrew Burke, CEO, Lotus Foods
Both individuals embody Lotus Foods’ mission, while bringing essential financial and operational expertise. Early feedback on both hires has been overwhelmingly positive, with Burke noting their measurable impact on the business.
“Noto Group is the best I have worked with at finding and helping us secure the right talent for our organization,” Burke said. “They will remain a key partner to Lotus Foods as we continue on our growth trajectory.”
