Linda Shein is CEO of Bala Growth Partners and a growth architect with deep expertise in retail, ecommerce and CPG. She has advised companies from pre-revenue to multibillions, and led both startups and turnarounds. She also partners with investors to build pipeline, conduct diligence and coach portfolio companies.
Linda brings a broad base of experience across both functional areas and industry verticals. She moves seamlessly from high-level strategy, marketing tech stack/analytics and financial acumen to brand storytelling, merchandising and creative execution. Her industry background spans wellness, fitness, natural products, nutritional supplements, fashion, personal care, home, grocery and food & beverage—offering a cross-disciplinary lens to drive growth and innovation.
She also serves as a board director for public and private companies, and currently sits on the board of one of the largest private equity–owned Planet Fitness franchises, where she coaches the CMO and advises the CEO on growth. Her leadership experience includes roles such as Fortune 500 division President, Managing Director of Wharton’s retail and ecommerce think tank and interim EVP, Chief Marketing, Merchandising & Digital Officer.
Linda holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and a BS in marketing from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. She has served as a retail subject matter expert on CBS News, hosted SiriusXM Business Radio’s Marketing Matters and is frequently quoted in the media on digital transformation, retail innovation, the future of shopping and AI.
