Thistle Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Thistle has 5 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, people, and production.

Driven by a commitment to health and wellness, Thistle prepares nutritious, delicious meals, juices, and snacks using local, organic, and sustainable ingredients, delivered fresh to customers nationwide.

Leadership Roles at Thistle

  • Chief Executive Officer - Gray Solomon
  • 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
  • Gray Solomon - Chief Executive Officer

    Gray Solomon, the Chief Executive Officer at Thistle, directs the company's overall strategic vision and operational execution. Solomon guides Thistle's expansion within the direct-to-consumer food and nutrition market, ensuring alignment with the brand's core mission of delivering fresh, healthy, and sustainably sourced meals. This leadership role involves fostering innovation in product development and enhancing customer engagement across all channels. Solomon's focus remains on driving sustainable growth and solidifying Thistle's position as a leader in convenient, nutritious food solutions. The Chief Executive Officer ensures that Thistle's commitment to local and organic ingredients translates into tangible business success and market leadership. Solomon's strategic oversight extends to financial performance and long-term business planning, securing the company's future trajectory in the competitive food service industry. The Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities include cultivating a culture of excellence and accountability throughout the organization.

    Pete Aiken - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Pete Aiken, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Thistle, spearheads the company's strategic direction and market penetration. Aiken drives Thistle's mission to provide nutritious, delicious meals and snacks, emphasizing the use of local, organic, and sustainable ingredients. This executive leadership role involves overseeing all facets of the business, from product innovation to customer experience, ensuring the brand's commitment to quality and freshness is consistently met. Aiken's strategic initiatives focus on expanding Thistle's reach and impact within the direct-to-consumer food sector. The President & Chief Executive Officer works to optimize supply chain logistics and operational efficiencies to deliver exceptional value to customers. Pete Aiken's leadership ensures the company's growth trajectory aligns with its founding principles of health and sustainability. This executive guides the company's financial health and long-term viability, navigating market dynamics to maintain a competitive edge.

    Kyusik Chung - Chief Operating Officer & Chief People Officer

    Kyusik Chung, the Chief Operating Officer & Chief People Officer at Thistle, manages the intricate operational framework and cultivates the company's human capital. Chung oversees the end-to-end production and delivery processes, ensuring the seamless integration of local, organic, and sustainable ingredients into Thistle's nutritious meals and snacks. This dual role demands a strategic approach to operational efficiency, supply chain management, and workforce development. Kyusik Chung drives initiatives that enhance employee engagement, foster a positive workplace culture, and support the company's rapid growth. The Chief Operating Officer & Chief People Officer ensures that operational excellence directly supports the brand's commitment to delivering fresh, high-quality food to customers' doorsteps. Chung's leadership in people operations is critical for attracting and retaining top talent, vital for Thistle's direct-to-consumer model. This executive also focuses on optimizing production workflows to meet increasing demand while maintaining stringent quality standards.
    Kyusik Chung

    LeeAnn Johnson - President

    LeeAnn Johnson, the President at Thistle, directs the company's strategic growth and market expansion initiatives. Johnson focuses on enhancing Thistle's direct-to-consumer model, ensuring the brand's commitment to nutritious, delicious meals made with local, organic, and sustainable ingredients resonates with a broad customer base. This leadership position involves overseeing key business functions, including sales, marketing, and customer relations, to drive revenue and market share. LeeAnn Johnson works to strengthen Thistle's operational capabilities and supply chain efficiency, guaranteeing the consistent delivery of fresh products. The President plays a crucial role in shaping the company's brand identity and fostering customer loyalty. Johnson's strategic vision guides Thistle's expansion into new markets and product categories, reinforcing its position as a leader in healthy, convenient food solutions. This executive ensures that Thistle's operational success is intrinsically linked to its mission of promoting wellness and sustainability.

    Sydney Deal - Director, OR Production & Chief People Officer

    Sydney Deal, the Director, OR Production & Chief People Officer at Thistle, oversees critical production operations and spearheads human resources strategy. Deal manages the complex logistics of preparing nutritious, delicious meals, juices, and snacks, ensuring adherence to Thistle's standards for local, organic, and sustainable ingredients. This executive leadership role involves optimizing production workflows and supply chain management to meet customer demand efficiently. Sydney Deal also directs all aspects of people operations, focusing on talent acquisition, employee development, and fostering a positive organizational culture. The Director, OR Production & Chief People Officer ensures that production capabilities align with the company's growth objectives and commitment to quality. Deal's dual focus on operational output and employee well-being is integral to Thistle's success in the direct-to-consumer food market. This executive drives initiatives that enhance both the efficiency of meal preparation and the engagement of the workforce.
    Sydney Deal

    Explore Leadership Teams in Business Services

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Thistle Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Thistle?
    Thistle is led by Gray Solomon (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Pete Aiken (President & Chief Executive Officer) and Kyusik Chung (Chief Operating Officer & Chief People Officer).
    Who is part of Thistle’s executive team?
    The executive team of Thistle includes leaders such as Gray Solomon (Chief Executive Officer), Pete Aiken (President & Chief Executive Officer), Kyusik Chung (Chief Operating Officer & Chief People Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Thistle have?
    Thistle has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Thistle’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Thistle includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer & Chief People Officer, President, Director, OR Production & Chief People Officer.