Charles Friend

Charles Friend has a diverse work experience in various roles and industries. Charles currently holds the position of Chief Executive Officer at Green Toys Inc., a role they assumed in August 2022. Prior to this, they served as President of the company from September 2015 to August 2022, and as Chief Financial Officer from August 2013 to August 2015.

In 2013, Charles Friend also founded the Friend Group LLC, where they served as Executive Vice President. The Friend Group is an investment firm specializing in private equity investments in the consumer packaged goods industry. Charles Friend was responsible for identifying and acquiring branded and private label CPG companies with strong positions and differentiation.

Before founding the Friend Group, Charles Friend worked at 2x Consumer Products Growth Partners, where they held various roles. Charles was an Industry Venture Partner from January 2013 to June 2013, a Senior Associate from January 2011 to January 2013, and an Analyst from December 2010 to January 2012.

Prior to their work at 2x Consumer Products Growth Partners, Charles Friend served as the Director of Corporate Strategy at On-Cor Frozen Foods from September 2007 to December 2010. Charles also participated in a rotational program at CROSSMARK from 2006 to 2007.

Overall, Charles Friend has demonstrated expertise in executive leadership, finance, investment, and strategy throughout their career in the consumer packaged goods industry.

Charles Friend obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Michigan, where they studied from 2002 to 2006. Following that, they pursued further education at Northwestern University - Kellogg School of Management, earning an MBA with a concentration in Finance. Charles completed their MBA program at Northwestern from 2009 to 2011.