James Brennan is an Operating Director at Paine Schwartz Partners.

Mr. Brennan brings more than 20 years of experience in the consumer products space and is a nationally recognized entrepreneur across the hospitality, skin care, food and beverage, and health and wellness spaces. He founded Enlightened Hospitality Group in 2003, a restaurant group which was sold to Hakkasan Group in 2014. In 2012, Mr. Brennan co-founded Suja Juice, a current Paine Schwartz portfolio company, and helped grow the organic cold-pressed juice company into a market leader. Paine Schwartz worked closely with Mr. Brennan in its investment in Suja and he remains actively involved on the board. Prior to becoming an Operating Director, Mr. Brennan served as a Senior Advisor to Paine Schwartz, supporting the firm in sourcing, diligence, and value creation for our better-for-you food companies. Mr. Brennan also launched the venture firm, Enlightened Brand Ventures, through which he co-founded Kopari Beauty, a 100% organic coconut powered beauty skincare line.

Mr. Brennan’s passion lies in his dedication to philanthropic causes beyond investing. Previously, he served on the boards of Catholic Charities of San Diego and Big Brothers, Big Sisters of San Diego for over a decade. He currently sits on the board of Cristo Rey High School in Miami. In addition to his charitable leadership roles across the country, Mr. Brennan was the driving force behind Rockaway Reach, a disaster relief fund created in the aftermath of the devastation inflicted by Hurricane Sandy on Mr. Brennan’s hometown of Rockaway Beach, New York. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business from The University of San Diego. He was born and raised in New York City, NY.

Note: Operating Directors are not employees or agents of Paine Schwartz Partners; they are independent third-party consultants retained by Paine Schwartz Partners on a periodic basis to provide services to the funds Paine Schwartz Partners advises or manages and/or such funds’ portfolio companies.