“My mission is to help businesses grow with integrity, sustainability, and vision—because how we grow matters just as much as how much we grow.”
Orien Bedwell’s nearly three-decade journey through the consumer packaged goods (CPG) landscape is a story of leadership driven by values, vision, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. With over 30 years of professional experience, Orien has carved a respected path across sales, marketing, operations, and executive leadership roles in some of the most recognized food brands in the United States. From the bakery aisles of major retail chains to the mission-driven meat and seafood industry, his influence is rooted in delivering results with conscience, fostering innovation, and building teams that thrive.
Orien’s early career began with Earthgrains and Campbell Taggart, where he was immersed in direct store delivery (DSD) systems and the fast-moving world of food logistics and merchandising. These formative years helped him master the essentials of supply chain operations and customer-facing solutions. As he took on increasing responsibilities, he moved into leadership positions with Sara Lee, including his role as Zone Vice President and, later, Vice President of Sales for the Walmart and Sam’s Club fresh bakery business. His tenure with Sara Lee marked the beginning of a leadership style that would define his career—strategically driven, team-empowering, and deeply customer-focused.
At Smithfield Foods, Orien brought together cross-functional teams across three independent operating companies, leading customer management efforts for Walmart and Sam’s Club. His success there reflected not only his ability to align internal stakeholders but also his skill in developing strategic partnerships with high-value retail accounts. Whether managing fresh pork or processed meats, his leadership approach remained anchored in building trust and aligning objectives across organizational silos.
He then transitioned to Crystal Lake Farms, where he served as Vice President of Sales, Marketing, and Supply Chain. At this natural chicken producer, Orien championed a humane, pasture-raised product philosophy rooted in breed, feed, and environment. His leadership underscored his growing interest in sustainability and ethical sourcing—areas that would become central to his professional identity. He brought strategic growth to the company through tailored business development strategies and customer management, while elevating the brand’s integrity in the natural foods market.
From there, Orien joined Teton Waters Ranch, a regenerative beef company, as Chief Customer Officer. In this executive role, he guided national sales strategy, customer relationships, and organizational growth. Orien’s approach at Teton Waters Ranch was as holistic as it was tactical—he cultivated a unified vision across marketing, supply chain, and sales, ensuring that each department worked in harmony to serve both the business and the mission: better food for people and the planet. Under his leadership, the company strengthened its presence in the natural and conventional retail space and deepened its engagement with conscious consumers.
Today, as a Partner at The Sustainable Meats Group, Orien stands at the intersection of purpose and performance. The firm consults and represents high-attribute meat and seafood brands, helping them navigate an evolving marketplace shaped by ethical sourcing, evolving consumer tastes, and environmental responsibility. Orien leverages his decades of executive experience to empower emerging brands, support producers committed to better practices, and build strong bridges between retail buyers and forward-thinking food companies.
Orien’s professional reputation is built on a deep well of knowledge in CPG categories—fresh, frozen, refrigerated, and shelf-stable products—and across multiple channels including mass, club, grocery, ecommerce, and foodservice. His experience spans branded, co-branded, and private-label business models, giving him a unique perspective on how different strategies intersect with market demands. What sets him apart is his ability to lead with empathy and precision, crafting plans that align with broader goals while respecting the individual contributions of team members and partners alike.
While Orien has always worked “behind the scenes,” as he modestly puts it, his impact is highly visible in the brands and teams he has elevated. He does not seek the spotlight but instead focuses on empowering others—whether it’s mentoring future leaders, supporting ranchers and producers, or guiding young companies through growth phases. His leadership style is both compassionate and performance-driven, emphasizing long-term relationships over short-term wins.
With international exposure in markets such as Australia and New Zealand for beef and lamb, and the United Kingdom for pork, Orien brings a global mindset to his work. Though English is his sole language, his cultural and operational fluency in international trade adds a valuable dimension to his boardroom readiness. Currently, he serves on the boards of several private equity firms under NDA and is affiliated with The Meat Institute, reinforcing his strategic influence across the food industry.
At the core of Orien’s journey is a personal and professional philosophy that emphasizes sustainable success—not just in profit but in people and practices. He believes that brands grow best when guided by principles and that great leadership lies in knowing when to lead, when to listen, and when to challenge the status quo. As he seeks to serve on additional boards, Orien is motivated by a desire to share what he’s learned, uplift the next generation of businesses, and continue growing alongside those who believe that business can be both prosperous and principled.
Character:
Orien demonstrates unwavering integrity and humility in his leadership. He leads by example, valuing relationships, ethics, and long-term impact over personal accolades.
Knowledge:
With over three decades of experience across the CPG landscape, Orien offers deep and diversified insights into retail strategy, supply chain dynamics, and sustainable food systems. His hands-on expertise allows him to translate complex challenges into clear, actionable plans.
Strategic:
Orien’s leadership is defined by thoughtful strategy and data-informed decision-making. He understands how to align brand vision with market realities to drive sustainable growth across multiple channels.
Communication:
Orien’s ability to connect with stakeholders at every level—from retail buyers to producers to internal teams—makes him a trusted advisor and collaborator. He listens deeply and speaks with clarity, purpose, and authenticity.
