China: Hero Protein appoints ex-McDonald’s executive as chief executive

Vicky Lee has more than 20 years’ experience in the food industry

Shanghai-based plant-based meat company Hero Protein has appointed Vicky Lee as its chief executive.
Lee has more than 20 years’ experience in the food industry, including 15 years at McDonald’s Corporation where she last worked as chief marketing officer of McDonald’s Taiwan. After that she was appointed group vice-president of Xiabu Xiabu Catering Management (China) Holdings Co, China’s second-largest hotpot restaurant chain, and then group vice-president and general manager at Better Me Precision Nutrition.

Launched on the market in January, Hero Protein’s plant-based chicken and beef products, are created with high moisture extrusion technology to mimic real meat texture. The company said the products are being sold to a range of top restaurants and corporate and school dining facilities in Shanghai.

Lee said: “I am very excited to join the team at Hero Protein, where we share the mission to create healthier and more sustainable alternatives for Chinese consumers. With growing concerns on health, food safety and sustainability in China, I believe the development of plant-based foods is a key part of the solution, and we have the right technology and people at Hero Protein to bring the best offerings to the market.”