Rupert Leigh
About Rupert Leigh
Rupert Leigh is a Zinc Cohort 5 Associate who has partnered with the UK charity Music Venue Trust to support grassroots music culture. He has a diverse background in food and marketing, having previously served as Creator & CEO of Jackpot peanut butter and European Marketing Director at Hard Rock Cafe.
Work at Zinc
Rupert Leigh is currently employed as a Zinc Cohort 5 Associate at Zinc, a position he has held since 2022. His work involves collaboration with various partners to develop innovative solutions addressing social and environmental challenges. As a founder in residence at Zinc VC, he has focused on creating a commercial concept aimed at reducing food loss from farm to fork. This role allows him to leverage his previous experience in the food industry to contribute to impactful projects.
Previous Experience at Jackpot Peanut Butter
Prior to his role at Zinc, Rupert Leigh served as the Creator and CEO of Jackpot Peanut Butter from 2016 to 2022. During his tenure, he partnered with the UK charity Music Venue Trust to support grassroots music culture. He also participated in a reusable packaging pilot with Terracycle and Tesco, which scaled a reusable packaging concept across all products for Jackpot peanut butter. His leadership contributed to the brand's sustainability initiatives.
Background in Marketing and Creative Direction
Rupert Leigh has a background in marketing and creative direction, having worked as the European Marketing Director at Hard Rock Cafe from 2006 to 2009. He also held the position of Partner and Creative Director at APN from 2012 to 2016. At APN, he developed a fashion textile reuse concept in 2009 that emphasized circularity and broader reuse models. His diverse experience in these roles has shaped his approach to sustainability and innovation.
Education and Expertise
Rupert Leigh studied at the University of Gloucestershire, where he gained foundational knowledge that supports his professional endeavors. Originally trained as a chef, he has developed a strong appreciation for sustainable and regenerative agricultural practices. This background informs his work in food-related projects and his commitment to addressing environmental issues within the food industry.