Cassandra Stavrou MBE is an inspiring entrepreneur and innovator, best known as the founder of PROPER Snacks. From launching a single popcorn brand in 2011 to scaling it into one of Europe’s leading healthy snack businesses, she has built an international success story recognised for both commercial excellence and social impact. Her journey from a start-up founder to a leader of a £100 million enterprise makes her a captivating motivational speaker who demonstrates what can be achieved with vision, resilience, and creativity.
Cassandra’s entrepreneurial career began with the creation of PROPER Snacks, where she combined bold flavour innovation with a commitment to healthier alternatives. Under her leadership, the business became the first ever B Corp-certified snack company, reflecting her focus on purpose as well as profit. By 2014, PROPER had won the National Business Award for New Business of the Year, and in the years that followed, Cassandra’s achievements earned her places in Management Today’s “35 Women Under 35” and Forbes’ “30 Under 30”. These early accolades cemented her reputation as one of the UK’s brightest business leaders.
Her success has continued on a global scale. By 2019, PROPER Snacks had expanded into 20 countries, generating sales of over £100 million and establishing itself as a household name through partnerships with leading retailers. Cassandra’s influence was further recognised when she joined the UK Government’s Food & Drink Sector Council, and in 2020, she was awarded an MBE for services to the food industry. She has since gone on to co-found WARP Snacks and continues to advise and invest in the next generation of entrepreneurs, reinforcing her role as both a pioneer and mentor in business.
What sets Cassandra apart as a motivational speaker is her ability to combine hard-won business lessons with an authentic, inspiring story of determination and ingenuity. Her talks energise audiences by showing that great ideas, when matched with resilience and purpose, can transform industries and create positive change. Having spoken at major industry events such as London Packaging Week and the Source Home & Gift show, and featured across media including The Times, The Telegraph and Yahoo Finance, Cassandra engages audiences with honesty, passion and a drive to inspire others to pursue their own entrepreneurial ambitions.
