Paul Izenstark

Managing DirectorLos Angeles, CA
Areas of Expertise

CPG, Food & Beverage, Plant-Based Products

About

Based in California, Paul focuses on recruitment of senior roles across all segments within the food industry, specializing in health and wellness and plant-based products. His 30-year career includes marketing leadership positions for companies such as Nestlé USA, Nestlé Waters, Dole Food Company, Kraft Foods, The California Avocado Commission, IHOP, and California Pizza Kitchen.

Paul holds a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in business administration from the University of Southern California.

Recent Placements & Food for Thought

The leaders we place prove the quality of our work. The knowledge of our experts provides the insight you need to attract the right candidates.

Kincannon & Reed Promotes Caroline Petit to Director, APAC

Kincannon & Reed is pleased to announce the promotion of Caroline Petit to Director, APAC. In her new role, Caroline will…

Keep Reading

The Role of Cross-Functional Experience in Building Executive-Ready Leaders

Organizations invest significant time and resources identifying high-potential talent. Yet one of the most common leadership development challenges isn’t finding capable…

Keep Reading

Why Experience Alone Stops Working at the Enterprise Level

Enterprise leadership is not a continuation of functional success; it is a fundamental shift in how leaders create impact. For much…

Keep Reading

Kincannon & Reed Announces Kelly Griffin as Chief Operating Officer

Kincannon & Reed is pleased to announce the promotion of Kelly Griffin to Chief Operating Officer. In this role, Griffin will…

Keep Reading

What Top Executive Candidates Evaluate Before Joining a Leadership Team

In today’s highly competitive market for executive talent, attracting the right leaders requires more than a compelling role or competitive compensation.…

Keep Reading

Sustaining High Performance Through Leadership Alignment

High performance is something to be protected, not taken for granted. Across food and agriculture, many organizations are delivering strong results…

Keep Reading

Kincannon & Reed Welcomes Jon Lowe as Managing Director

Kincannon & Reed, a leading executive search and leadership development firm exclusively serving organizations across the global food and agriculture value…

Keep Reading

Guittard Chocolate Partners with K&R on SVP, Sales Search

Guittard Chocolate Company, a fifth-generation chocolate company founded in 1868, has appointed Amy Heitkamp as Senior Vice President, Industrial Chocolate Sales.…

Keep Reading

DLF Partners with K&R on EVP Search

As Published by DLF We are pleased to announce that Matt Fanta will be joining DLF as Executive Vice President for…

Keep Reading

From Crisis to Clarity: Making Leadership a Strategic Priority in Ag

By Managing Director Aaron Locker | Originally Published by Seed World The leadership conversation in agriculture has shifted. It’s no longer…

Keep Reading

Employee Engagement: Why It Matters More Than Ever for Food & Ag Leaders

Employee engagement is more than a corporate buzzword; it’s a competitive advantage. Engaged employees aren’t just satisfied, they’re emotionally invested in…

Keep Reading

2025 Mid Year Global Talent Trends & Implications

K&R EXPERIENCE As we move into the second half of 2025, executive hiring in food and ag continues to shift and…

Keep Reading

Is Your Executive Value Proposition Attracting Top Talent in Food & Agriculture?

Top executives in food and agriculture aren’t just looking for a compelling job description or competitive compensation. They want purpose, strategic…

Keep Reading

The First 100 Days: Reframing Executive Onboarding to Accelerate Impact and Retention

The moment a senior leader accepts an offer, most organizations breathe a sigh of relief. The hard part—the search—is over. But…

Keep Reading

Closing the Gap: Future-Proofing Leadership in Food & Ag

The senior leadership gap in food and agriculture isn’t just a distant concern; it’s already here. As these industries face the…

Keep Reading

The AI-Powered Leader: Essential Strategies for the New Era

The Adaptive Leader: Thriving in an AI-Driven World AI is a strategic imperative, rapidly reshaping decision-making, streamlining operations, and addressing complex…

Keep Reading

Osborne Assumes Chairman Role with K&R

Managing Partner, Phillip Osborne will assume the role of Chairman of the Board for Kincannon & Reed. Osborne has been a partner…

Keep Reading

Beyond Innovation: Navigating A Shifting Agri-Food Landscape

By K&R Principals Aaron Locker, Abby McMillin, Jon Leafstedt, Paul Izenstark Beyond the cutting-edge technologies showcased at World Agri-Tech and Future…

Keep Reading

Send a Message

Get in Touch with Paul Izenstark

Industry Experts Making Connections

Our principals are active in the industries they serve and leverage their experience for our clients