SEATTLE -- Jones Soda Co. has announced the resignations of William Meissner as CEO and board member and Richard Eiswirth as chairman. Effective June 30, 2012, Jennifer Cue will become the company's CEO. Mick Fleming, longstanding board member, will assume the role of chairman immediately.
Meissner previously was president at Talking Rain Beverage Co., chief marketing officer at Fuze Beverage and brand director at SoBe/PepsiCo.
The company also announced the elimination of the chief financial officer position effective June 30, 2012. Carrie Traner, vice president of finance and principal financial officer will assume James Stapleton's duties.
Commenting on the change in management and strategic direction of the company, Fleming said, "Our objective is to align the company's cost structure with its operating resources and position the company for profitable revenue generation. Jennifer Cue, who previously served the company as chief operating officer and chief financial officer, has the skills and passion to return the company to a financially sustainable positive cash flow position, and to build upon that. We are grateful for the contribution of Bill, Jim and Rick to Jones Soda. Each individual has worked incredibly hard to advance the Jones brand and the company. On behalf of the entire board, we wish them success in their future professional endeavors."
Said Cue: "I am excited for the opportunity to rekindle the Jones consumer fan base while exploring innovative ways to leverage the Jones brand in the U.S. and international markets. The Jones brand remains strong and we have a great team of dedicated employees who are inspired to bring Jones back to its cutting-edge and prosperous position in the marketplace."
Based in Seattle, Jones Soda markets and distributes premium beverages under the Jones Soda and WhoopAss Energy Drink brands and sells through its distribution network in markets primarily across North America. A leader in the premium soda category, Jones is known for its variety of flavors, ingredients, including pure cane sugar and innovative labeling technique that incorporates changing photos sent in from its consumers. Jones Soda is sold through traditional beverage retailers.
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