Kirsten Maitland is the co-founder and innovation engine behind Rebel Cheese, the award-winning plant-based cheese company redefining dairy-free indulgence. A US Navy veteran and former agile tech consultant for Microsoft and Expedia, Kirsten brings a relentless focus on continuous improvement and a consumer-centric approach to every aspect of the business. Her journey-from navigating ships to leading sprints in tech-gave her a unique blend of process, creativity, and precision that she now applies to cheesemaking. Raised in England by culinary-minded parents, Kirsten’s love of food and experimentation started early. After adopting a plant-based lifestyle 12 years ago, she saw a gap in the market for gourmet dairy-free cheeses that could evoke the nostalgia and complexity of traditional European varieties. She fused her technical mindset with culinary curiosity, reverse-engineering classic cheesemaking techniques and rapidly iterating recipes based on direct customer feedback. Under Kirsten’s leadership, Rebel Cheese has evolved into a multi-channel brand, serving customers nationwide through direct-to-consumer (DTC) e-commerce, grocery, direct wholesale, and two acclaimed retail locations. Her approach, which combines data-driven optimization, agile product development, and a passion for delighting customers, has driven industry-leading retention and garnered rave reviews from both vegans and non-vegans alike. Kirsten is also a vocal advocate for women in business, encouraging others to “just start, iterate, and stay true to your values.