BarkBox, Inc., the leading global brand for dogs, today announced it has expanded and bolstered its senior leadership team in support of the Company's continued rapid growth and pending merger with Northern Star Acquisition Corp. (NYSE: STIC).
Rustin Richburg, a recognized global HR & talent leader, board advisor, operator, and transformation executive, has joined BARK as Chief People Officer. In this role, Mr. Richburg is responsible for leading all functions within the People organization, enhancing processes and frameworks around talent acquisition, learning and development, inclusion and belonging, and compensation strategy.
Matt Miller, an experienced and skilled attorney, negotiator, and litigator, has joined BARK as General Counsel. In this role, Mr. Miller is responsible for leading BARK's internal legal and compliance function.
"As we close in on a historic year for BARK, in which we delightfully served more dogs and their families than ever before, the expansion of our leadership team with accomplished professionals who share our core values and unbridled love of dogs well positions BARK to continue this success and momentum," said Manish Joneja, Chief Executive Officer of BARK. "Rustin is a renowned change agent and strategist who makes companies better and people happier. Matt is a sharp legal expert and a trusted advisor to growing companies like ours. We look forward to benefiting from their experience and leadership capabilities at this exciting time for BARK."
Rustin Richburg Bio
Rustin Richburg is a recognized global HR & talent leader, board advisor, operator, and transformation executive. Mr. Richburg previously led HR teams at Walton Enterprises, Inc., and the Walton Family Foundation. As Chief People Officer, he headed up HR for the family office, investments, private equity, and philanthropic work of Sam and Helen Walton. Before joining Walton Enterprises, Mr. Richburg was Walmart's Senior Vice President of Global HR Operations & Technology from 2016 to 2017, when he was named Senior Vice President, US People. Before joining Walmart, he held leadership roles at Imperial Brands and Accenture. Mr. Richburg holds a B.A. in Agribusiness from Texas A&M University as well as certifications in program management from the University of Washington and in conflict resolution from Cornell University. He is the proud dog parent to Mona and Capote.
Matt Miller Bio
Matt Miller brings more than 25 years of global legal and compliance experience working across multiple industries for public companies to BARK. Prior to joining BARK, Mr. Miller served as the first General Counsel at Green Thumb Industries, a publicly-traded national cannabis consumer packaged goods company and retailer, where he was responsible for legal and compliance. Previously, Mr. Miller spent eight years as Deputy General Counsel at Groupon, where he built and led teams covering litigation, employment, IP, and international. At Groupon, Mr. Miller had global responsibilities covering North America, LATAM, EMEA, and APAC, and he worked for a year based in Switzerland. Prior to his in-house work, he served as an attorney at a number of law firms, including Jenner & Block, Richard J. Prendergast Ltd., and Much Shelist, P.C. Mr. Miller holds a B.A. in Philosophy from the University of Wisconsin and a J.D. from the Loyola University Chicago School of Law. He is the proud dog parent to Ruby and Bruno.
About BARK
BARK is the world's most dog-centric company, devoted to making dogs happy with the best products, services and content. BARK's dog-obsessed team applies its unique, data-driven understanding of what makes each dog special to design playstyle-specific toys, wildly satisfying treats and wellness supplements, and dog-first experiences that foster the health and happiness of dogs everywhere. Founded in 2012, BARK loyally serves dogs nationwide with monthly subscription services, BarkBox and Super Chewer; a curated e-commerce experience on BarkShop.com; custom collections via its retail partner network, including Target and Amazon; wellness products that meet your dogs' needs with BARK Bright; and a personalized meal delivery service for dogs BARK Eats. At BARK, we want to be the people our dogs think we are and promise to be their voice until every dog reaches its full tail-wagging potential. Sniff around at bark.co for more information.
About Northern Star Acquisition Corp.
Northern Star Acquisition Corp. is a special purpose acquisition company whose management team and Board of Directors are composed of veteran consumer, media, technology, retail and finance industry executives and founders, including Joanna Coles, Chairwoman and Chief Executive Officer, and Jonathan Ledecky, President and Chief Operating Officer. Ms. Coles is a creative media and technology executive who in her previous roles as editor of two leading magazines and Chief Content Officer of Hearst Magazines developed an extensive network of relationships at the intersection of technology, fashion and beauty. Ms. Coles currently serves as a special advisor to Cornell Capital, a $7 billion private investment firm, and is on the board at Snap Inc., Sonos, Density Software, and Women Entrepreneurs of New York City. Mr. Ledecky is a seasoned businessman with over 35 years of investment and operational experience. He has executed hundreds of acquisitions across multiple industries and raised over $20 billion in debt and equity. He is also co-owner of the National Hockey League's New York Islanders franchise. For additional information, please visit https://northernstaric.com.
