Thistle Executive and Leadership Team

Pete Aiken, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Thistle, directs the overarching strategic vision for this direct-to-consumer nutrition brand. Aiken architects long-term growth initiatives while overseeing the expansion of organic meal delivery services across North American markets. By aligning product development with sustainable sourcing standards, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures consistent quality for every customer. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the board to refine the business model and enhance operational efficiency. Pete Aiken maintains a sharp focus on scaling the brand to meet rising demand for healthy, convenient food solutions. Through rigorous oversight of corporate performance, the President & Chief Executive Officer secures the financial health of the organization. Ultimately, Aiken drives the mission of providing nutritious, delicious meals to households nationwide while maintaining a commitment to environmental responsibility and local ingredient procurement.

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 workflows to ensure that organic ingredients reach customers with maximum freshness. Overseeing the integration of talent management with operational output, the Chief Operating Officer & Chief People Officer fosters a high-performance culture across all departments. This dual-function role requires balancing the technical demands of food production with the strategic needs of the workforce. Kyusik Chung drives initiatives that streamline delivery operations while simultaneously improving employee engagement and retention metrics. By refining internal processes, the Chief Operating Officer & Chief People Officer supports the broader goal of scaling the business efficiently. Chung ensures that operational capacity aligns perfectly with the company's rapid growth trajectory in the competitive food-tech sector.

LeeAnn Johnson, the President at Thistle, leads the execution of core business strategies and market expansion efforts. Johnson oversees the implementation of consumer-facing programs that highlight the brand's commitment to sustainable, organic nutrition. By managing cross-functional teams, the President ensures that meal preparation and delivery services meet the highest quality standards. This leadership role involves identifying new market opportunities and strengthening the brand's presence within the competitive food-service landscape. LeeAnn Johnson drives the development of innovative service models that enhance the customer experience and increase brand loyalty. Through careful analysis of market trends, the President aligns internal resources with the evolving needs of health-conscious consumers. Johnson maintains a focus on operational excellence, ensuring that every aspect of the business supports the company's mission of delivering fresh, nutritious food directly to the doorsteps of customers across the country.

Sydney Deal, the Director, OR Production & Chief People Officer at Thistle, manages the technical aspects of food production and the strategic development of the workforce. Deal architects efficient production schedules that maintain the integrity of organic ingredients during the manufacturing process. Overseeing the alignment of production output with human resource capabilities, the Director, OR Production & Chief People Officer ensures that the team remains equipped to handle high-volume demand. This role involves implementing safety protocols and quality control measures that define the brand's reputation for excellence. Sydney Deal drives initiatives that improve workplace productivity while fostering a supportive environment for all staff members. By bridging the gap between operational production and people management, the Director, OR Production & Chief People Officer supports the company's ability to scale effectively. Deal ensures that production workflows remain consistent with the company's commitment to sustainable and nutritious food delivery.