Darren Hopkins

Darren Hopkins, an experienced strategist and marketer with a specialty in communication and product innovation to provide brands with a competitive edge. Hopkins' focus is on identifying the key drivers of consumer behavior to reach specific demographic groups with the most motivating benefits that consequently result in predictable growth. With a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Saskatchewan and an MBA degree in Marketing from York University - Schulich School of Business, Hopkins' expertise lies in building and developing brands across multiple CPGs, including General Mills. As a leader of private equity operating roles, Hopkins has been the CEO and Chief Marketing Officer of Quick Weight Loss Centers and the VP of Marketing for Celsius and SlimFast. His ability to identify underserved needs in the market and utilize strategic leverage to influence choice has led to significant results for his previous employers. In 2018, his contributions to SlimFast resulted in EBITDA growth from negative $15MM to positive $30MM, and his work has contributed to the exit of SlimFast to Glanbia for $350MM. Overall, Hopkins' expertise lies in combining advanced consumer research techniques with marketing strategies to build and develop brands that lead to predictable growth.