# David Lester

> David Lester is the co-founder and former President of OLIPOP PBC, the prebiotic soda brand that grew from a $100,000 bet into a $1.85 billion company in under seven years. A former Diageo brand marketer who worked with Smirnoff, Gordon's Gin, and Johnnie Walker across three continents, Lester paired his CPG expertise with co-founder Ben Goodwin's scientific formulation genius to create a soda that supports gut health without sacrificing the nostalgia of a cold fizzy drink. OLIPOP now generates over $425 million in annual revenue, holds 65,000+ retail doors, and controls 87% of the functional soda category - a category it essentially invented.

- **Role:** Board Advisor at OLIPOP PBC
- **Organizations:** OLIPOP PBC, Obi Probiotic Soda, Diageo, Biome Body
- **Nationality:** British
- **Education:** Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Management Studies & Spanish, Nottingham University Business School
- **Known for:** Co-founded OLIPOP, growing it from a $100,000 investment to a $1.85 billion valuation in under seven years, Built OLIPOP to $425M+ annual revenue, making it the #3 top-selling soda at major retailers, OLIPOP holds 87% of functional soda category sales

## Career timeline

- **1999-2003** — Studied Management Studies & Spanish at Nottingham University Business School
- **2003-2012** — Joined Diageo, working in global brand marketing across Sydney, Australia and São Paulo, Brazil, with brands including Smirnoff, Gordon's Gin, and Johnnie Walker
- **2013** — Met Ben Goodwin in a Palo Alto coffee shop; co-founded Obi Probiotic Soda, a water kefir-based beverage line
- **2016** — Obi Probiotic Soda sold for an undisclosed amount; received $100,000 from the sale
- **2018** — Co-founded OLIPOP with Ben Goodwin, launching with three flavors: ginger lemon, strawberry vanilla, and cinnamon cola
- **2019** — OLIPOP's first year: $852,000 gross revenue, 40 retail locations in Northern California
- **2021-2022** — OLIPOP achieved national distribution, entering Walmart, Target, and major grocery chains
- **2023** — Named Ad Age Breakout Brand Leader; OLIPOP reaches approximately $425M in annual revenue; OLIPOP earns B Corp certification with a score of 91
- **2024** — OLIPOP achieves profitability with $400M+ annual sales and 50,000+ retail doors
- **2025-02** — OLIPOP raises $50M Series C at $1.85B valuation led by J.P. Morgan Private Capital; David transitions to advisory board role; Mel Landis (former Coca-Cola executive) joins as President

## Achievements

- Co-founded OLIPOP, growing it from a $100,000 investment to a $1.85 billion valuation in under seven years
- Built OLIPOP to $425M+ annual revenue, making it the #3 top-selling soda at major retailers
- OLIPOP holds 87% of functional soda category sales
- OLIPOP expanded to 65,000+ retail locations nationwide
- Named Ad Age Breakout Brand Leader for 2023
- Led OLIPOP to B Corp certification with a score of 91 (median for ordinary businesses is 50.9)
- Achieved 95%+ employee satisfaction rate across a 450-person team
- Pioneered the functional/prebiotic soda category in the US
- Prior experience at Diageo across three continents with iconic global spirits brands

## Latest updates

- **2025-02** — OLIPOP raised $50M in Series C funding at a $1.85B valuation led by J.P. Morgan Private Capital's Growth Equity Partners. David transitioned from operating role to an advisory seat on the board of directors.
- **2024-12** — OLIPOP achieved profitability with $400M+ in annual sales and presence in 50,000+ retail doors across the US.
- **2023-07** — OLIPOP achieved B Corp certification with a score of 91.
- **2023-06** — David Lester named an Ad Age Breakout Brand Leader for 2023.

## Links

- Website: https://drinkolipop.com
- LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/david-lester-4b71b512

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/david-lester
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-05-27