Santi Proano
Director, Lighthouse Incubator
Ocean Spray
Santi Proano has over a decade of experience creating disruptive innovation and building brands across CPG, hospitality, and micro-enterprises. An American native of Ecuador, Santi is a student of culture, passionate about helping others reach their potential. After graduating with a B.S. in Accounting, he began his career at Starwood Hotels, supporting sound financial decision making. Santi then served as a Peace Corps micro-enterprise volunteer, helping low-income coffee growers in Ecuador develop their own brand of coffee. Since receiving his MBA from the University of Michigan, Santi has worked on renovation of legacy brands at Kraft Heinz and served as a founding member of the Innovation Lab at Tyson Foods, including the creation of alternate protein brand RAISED & ROOTED, as well as YAPPAH!, a concept inspired by a tradition in his homeland. Santi currently lends his passion for making positive impact leading the Lighthouse Incubator at Ocean Spray, focusing on health and wellness with new brands Dabbly, CarryOn, and Atoka.