Thorne taps former Vitamin Shoppe CEO for top job

20-Dec-2023 - Last updated on 20-Dec-2023 at 18:27 GMT

Colin Watts, former CEO of The Vitamin Shoppe and president of Weight Watchers Health Solutions, has been named the new CEO of Thorne, Thorne HealthTech’s personalized supplement and testing unit.

Watts brings three decades of healthcare and consumer products experience to Thorne. In addition to his time at The Vitamin Shoppe and Weight Watchers, he has also served as Chief Innovation Officer at Walgreens, and Global Operating President of McNeil Nutritionals and Consumer Healthcare, a division of Johnson & Johnson.

"Thorne has built its reputation on being a trusted brand known for its science-backed high-quality products, transparency, and clean manufacturing process, and I'm honored to join Thorne at such an important time in the company's history," said Watts.

"As an avid Thorne consumer, I am looking forward to working with the Thorne team leveraging R&D, upping our commitment to science and technology, and showcasing our deep portfolio of personalized offerings. There's a lot to be excited about as we continue to scale and I'm looking forward to working in lock step with Paul on Thorne Ventures and the broader strategic direction of the company."

Watts will be supported at Thorne by Tom McKenna, a 14 year-veteran of Thorne, who will continue serving as Chief Operating Officer.

New ventures arm

Thorne HealthTech, the parent company of Thorne, also announced the launch of Thorne Ventures to advance the company's focus on innovation and identifying the next generation of products and services. Thorne and Thorne Ventures will operate as two separate units that will have a high degree of collaboration.

Thorne Ventures to be led by legacy Thorne CEO, Paul Jacobson.

"The preventative health market continues to grow with new technological advances while constantly adapting to what consumers want – personalized scientific wellness focused on increasing one's health span," said Jacobson.

"Given Thorne's historical success and focus on the future, I'm looking forward to leading Thorne Ventures which is dedicated to redefining innovative ideas and solutions to help consumers take greater control of their own health. I've always been passionate about scientific innovation, what comes next in the industry, and how we can continue to bring new products that are data-driven and science backed to the market to help consumers be more proactive with their health and wellness."

Watts, Jacobson, and McKenna will serve on Thorne HealthTech's board of directors, said the company.