CAMBRIDGE, Mass.— Kalahari Biltong, announced on Jan. 17 that Chris Hickey will join the company as the CEO.

The company produces beef biltong, which originated from the South African tradition of air-drying meat. Biltong differs from jerky in several ways, according to the company, including its manufacturing process. Biltong is air-dried for up to 21 days, resulting in thin, tender slices of lean beef. 

Hickey previously worked as CEO of No Cow and The Isopure Co., private equity-backed health and wellness consumer product companies.

“When we were looking for an additional team member to add to our family, we knew we wanted someone who was thoughtful, like-minded, and had experience that we did not have to help us navigate uncharted waters as we continue to rapidly grow - and Chris is just the right person,” said Tyler Noyes, co-founder of Kalahari Biltong. “We sought an equal partner who would add value and bring new skill sets to the table as we continue to make our vision a reality. With his incredible track record of growing high-profile brands, we are confident that Chris' expertise will lead us in the right direction.”

Hickey was also chief marketing officer of EXOS a private equity-backed human performance company and held various marketing leadership positions at General Mills, Coors Molson, and Abbott Nutrition.

“The founders of Kalahari Biltong have started an incredible brand through meticulous attention to making the very best-tasting, nutritionally on-trend snack product on the market and I'm thrilled to be joining a team with such phenomenal passion and conviction,” Hickey said.