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Kat Cole
FounderRecord

Kat Cole

CEO · Consumer Executive · Atlanta

Kat Cole American business executive and CEO of AG1, the $1.2 billion nutritional supplement company. Rose from Hooters waitress at 17 to executive leadership without a bachelor's degree, leading turnarounds at Cinnabon and Focus Brands before joining AG1 in 2021.

Based in AtlantaLast reviewed September 2026
Kat Cole
Photo: Adam Mendler
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Overview

Katherine "Kat" Cole is the chief executive officer of AG1, the nutritional supplement company valued at $1.2 billion.[2][4] She was promoted to CEO in July 2024 after serving as president and chief operating officer since December 2021.[2][5]

Cole built her career without a bachelor's degree, rising from a Hooters waitress at age 17 to executive leadership roles across the restaurant and consumer goods industries.[1] Before joining AG1, she served as president of Cinnabon and group president of North America for Focus Brands, overseeing a portfolio that included Auntie Anne's, Carvel, and Cinnabon.[1]

Under her leadership, AG1 is projected to reach $600 million in revenue and is expanding beyond its flagship greens powder into new product categories.[3] The company raised $115 million in funding in 2022 at a $1.2 billion valuation.[4]

Early life and education

Cole began working at Hooters at age 17 to help support her family.[1] She later earned an MBA from the University of North Florida in 2006 while working full-time, completing her graduate education without first obtaining a bachelor's degree.[1]

Career

Hooters (1995–2010)

Cole started as a waitress at Hooters at age 17 and rose through the company over 15 years to become vice president of international development.[1] In this role, she oversaw the restaurant chain's expansion into international markets.[1]

I've always believed that if you're the smartest person in the room, you're in the wrong roomYahoo Finance · 2024

Cinnabon (2010–2015)

Cole joined Cinnabon as president in 2010, leading a turnaround and growth strategy for the cinnamon roll chain.[1] During her tenure, she focused on expanding the brand's presence and operational efficiency.[1]

Focus Brands (2015–2021)

In 2015, Cole was promoted to group president of North America for Focus Brands, the parent company of Cinnabon.[1] She oversaw a portfolio of restaurant brands including Auntie Anne's, Carvel, and Cinnabon.[1]

AG1 (2021–present)

Cole joined AG1 as president and chief operating officer in December 2021.[5] She was promoted to chief executive officer in July 2024, succeeding founder Chris Ashenden.[2]

Under her leadership, AG1 is expanding its product portfolio beyond its flagship greens powder.[3] The company is projected to reach $600 million in revenue as it launches new products and distribution channels.[3]

We're ready to start saying yes to new productsFortune · 2025

Recognition

Cole was named to Fortune's 40 Under 40 list in 2014.[1] Fast Company recognized her as one of the Most Creative People in Business in 2017.[1]

Public statements

we are on a mission to empower people on their health ownership journey

On AG1's mission — The Kara Goldin Show, 2024[6]

There's nothing better you can do for your health in 60 seconds, nothing

On product efficiency — The Kara Goldin Show, 2024[6]

References

  1. Kat Cole went from Hooters waitress to Athletic Greens COO without a bachelor's degree — Yahoo Finance, January 2024
  2. Green Drink Specialist AG1 Names Cole CEO, Succeeding Ashenden — Bloomberg, July 2024
  3. Athletic Greens is 'ready to start saying yes' to new products — Fortune, January 2025
  4. Athletic Greens valued at $1.2B after bagging $115M — TechCrunch, January 2022
  5. Athletic Greens Names Kat Cole as President and Chief Operating Officer — Business Wire, December 2021
  6. Kat Cole: President & COO of Athletic Greens — The Kara Goldin Show, January 2024
  7. Lessons in Cool: Athletic Greens' Kat Cole — Jones Road Beauty, January 2024
founderrecord.com/kat-cole
FR-2026-0095·Updated September 30, 2026