Health Sciences Group Inc., a Los Angeles-based provider of health and wellness products, said Wednesday that its board of directors has appointed Stuart Gold chief executive, who had been chief operating officer of The Republic of Tea.

Former CEO Fred E. Tannous will assume the position of chief financial officer and continue as co-chairman of the board. Gold, known for his work in building The Republic of Tea brand,. is expected to accelerate the execution of a new growth strategy and build shareholder value, the company said in a release.

Health Sciences Group develops functional foods, beverages and natural-based nutraceutical and cosmeceutical products. Its brand names include Health Sciences Group, Swiss Research and Swiss Diet. The company’s stock is listed on the over-the-counter bulletin board and was trading at around 12 cents on Wednesday.

“The board’s objective was to identify and select an innovative commander and creative talent who could build on the strengths and opportunities of our proprietary, patented technologies and products,” Tannous said. “Stuart is an internationally recognized branding evangelist with a remarkable track record of assertive leadership, innovation, brand building and revenue growth in the wellness sector.”

Co-founded in 1992 by the creators of The Banana Republic, Novato-based The Republic of Tea has been credited with spawning the food category of specialty tea. Among his contributions, Gold was the editorial voice for the company’s award-winning mail order catalogue.