Co-founders & Co-CEOs, Nature’s Path Foods Inc.

Arran & Ratana Stephens founded Nature’s Path Foods more than 30 years ago. As Co-founders and Co-CEOs, they have seen the company grow to become North America’s largest independent certified organic breakfast and snack food company, while remaining firmly committed to its mission of leaving the earth better than they found it.

Arran, born in 1944, learned an invaluable lesson from his dad: “Always leave the soil better than you found it.” Bettering the soil, communities and the world has been his lifelong work.

Ratana, known as the “heart and soul” of Nature’s Path Foods remains at the center of every development within the company, which operates on the triple-bottom line of social responsibility, environmental sustainability, and financial viability.

Arran and Ratana have received many high-profile awards during their careers. Arran has received an Organic Pioneer Award from the Rodale Institute in 2018 and the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2002. Ratana has been named one of Canada’s Top 150 noteworthy British Columbians and has been honored with numerous other accolades and awards. Jointly, they were inducted into the Hall of Legends and given the Growing Organic Award by the Organic Trade Association (OTA).

They both have also contributed to the success of various organizations. Arran has served, or continues to serve the Advisory Board of the UBC Land and Food Systems, Rodale Institute and the Canadian Health Food Association. Ratana was on the board of directors for the United Way BC Lower Mainland; the Advisory Board for the UBC Land and Food Systems, the Canadian Cancer Society, the Royal BC Museum, and the Canadian Government’s organization, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. She’s also currently a Board Member for the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation.

Arran and Ratana are parents of three daughters and a son, who are passionately involved in various aspects of Nature’s Path.