Thistle Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Thistle has 4 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, production, and organizational development.

Focused on delivering fresh, organic nutrition directly to consumer doorsteps, Thistle prioritizes sustainable food systems and health-conscious meal preparation to drive positive wellness outcomes across the United States.

Leadership Roles at Thistle

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Pete Aiken
  • Chief Operating Officer & Chief People Officer - Kyusik Chung
  • President - LeeAnn Johnson
  • Director, OR Production & Chief People Officer - Sydney Deal
  • Pete Aiken - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Pete Aiken, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Thistle, directs the overarching strategic vision for the direct-to-consumer nutrition brand. Aiken architects long-term growth initiatives while overseeing the expansion of meal, juice, and snack delivery services across North American markets. By aligning corporate objectives with sustainable sourcing practices, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures that every operational decision supports the mission of providing nutritious, organic food options. Pete Aiken maintains constant communication with the Board to refine market positioning and enhance customer value propositions. This leadership role involves managing high-level partnerships and driving innovation within the food technology sector. Through rigorous oversight of financial performance and brand development, the President & Chief Executive Officer secures the competitive standing of the organization. Ultimately, Aiken fosters a culture of excellence that translates into consistent service quality and reliable delivery standards for all subscribers.

    Kyusik Chung - Chief Operating Officer & Chief People Officer

    Kyusik Chung, the Chief Operating Officer & Chief People Officer at Thistle, manages the complex logistics of fresh food distribution and internal human capital development. Chung optimizes supply chain efficiency to ensure that organic ingredients reach customer doorsteps with maximum freshness. Overseeing the integration of operational workflows, the Chief Operating Officer & Chief People Officer drives productivity improvements across all fulfillment centers. Kyusik Chung also architects talent acquisition and retention strategies to build a high-performing workforce capable of scaling the business. This dual-function role requires balancing technical operational demands with the cultural needs of the organization. By streamlining internal processes and fostering employee engagement, the Chief Operating Officer & Chief People Officer supports the broader goal of sustainable growth. Chung maintains alignment between operational output and organizational values, ensuring that the company remains a leader in the competitive direct-to-consumer nutrition space.
    Kyusik Chung

    LeeAnn Johnson - President

    LeeAnn Johnson, the President at Thistle, executes tactical plans to expand the market reach of the company's nutrition services. Johnson drives regional initiatives that enhance brand visibility and customer acquisition across diverse demographics. Overseeing the execution of marketing and sales strategies, the President ensures that the value proposition of organic, sustainable meals resonates with health-conscious consumers. LeeAnn Johnson collaborates with other executive leaders to refine the product roadmap and introduce new snack and juice offerings. This leadership role involves analyzing market trends to identify opportunities for service optimization and revenue growth. By maintaining a focus on customer satisfaction and operational excellence, the President supports the long-term viability of the brand. Johnson directs cross-functional teams to ensure that service delivery remains consistent and reliable. Ultimately, the President strengthens the company's position as a premier provider of fresh, convenient, and nutritious food solutions in the competitive direct-to-consumer landscape.

    Sydney Deal - Director, OR Production & Chief People Officer

    Sydney Deal, the Director, OR Production & Chief People Officer at Thistle, supervises the technical aspects of meal preparation and the strategic management of human resources. Deal architects production schedules that maximize the use of local, organic ingredients while minimizing waste. Overseeing the daily output of the kitchen facilities, the Director, OR Production & Chief People Officer ensures that every meal meets strict quality and nutritional standards. Sydney Deal also drives initiatives related to workforce training and organizational culture, focusing on building a team that understands the nuances of sustainable food service. This leadership role involves coordinating with procurement teams to maintain a steady supply of fresh produce. By balancing production demands with employee development, the Director, OR Production & Chief People Officer maintains operational stability. Deal consistently monitors performance metrics to refine manufacturing processes, thereby supporting the company's commitment to delivering high-quality nutrition to a growing customer base.
    Sydney Deal

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Thistle Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Thistle?
    Thistle is led by Pete Aiken (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Kyusik Chung (Chief Operating Officer & Chief People Officer) and LeeAnn Johnson (President).
    Who is part of Thistle’s executive team?
    The executive team of Thistle includes leaders such as Pete Aiken (President & Chief Executive Officer), Kyusik Chung (Chief Operating Officer & Chief People Officer), LeeAnn Johnson (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Thistle have?
    Thistle has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Thistle’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Thistle includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer & Chief People Officer, President, Director, OR Production & Chief People Officer.