Thistle Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

Thistle has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, and people.

Driven by a commitment to health and sustainability, Thistle delivers nutritious, delicious meals and snacks using local, organic ingredients, directly to customers' homes, redefining convenient, healthy eating.

Leadership Roles at Thistle

  • Chief Executive Officer - Gray Solomon
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Kenneth Buser
  • 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 overarching strategy and operational execution. Solomon guides Thistle's mission to provide nutritious, delicious meals and snacks, emphasizing local, organic, and sustainable sourcing. This leadership role involves aligning all departments toward enhancing customer experience and expanding market reach within the direct-to-consumer food and nutrition sector. Solomon's focus remains on driving innovation in meal preparation and delivery logistics, ensuring Thistle maintains its competitive edge. The Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities include fostering a culture of quality and sustainability throughout the organization. Gray Solomon's strategic vision propels Thistle's growth and solidifies its position as a leader in healthy, convenient food solutions.

    Kenneth Buser - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Kenneth Buser, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Thistle, spearheads the company's strategic direction and overall business performance. Buser oversees the integration of Thistle's core values—nutrition, taste, and sustainability—into every facet of the operation. This executive guides the expansion of Thistle's direct-to-consumer model, ensuring efficient delivery of fresh, locally sourced meals and snacks across its service areas. The President & Chief Executive Officer's mandate includes cultivating strategic partnerships and driving financial growth. Kenneth Buser's leadership ensures Thistle consistently meets customer demand for high-quality, convenient, and health-conscious food options, reinforcing the brand's commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction.

    Pete Aiken - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Pete Aiken, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Thistle, drives the company's strategic vision and operational excellence. Aiken focuses on advancing Thistle's mission to deliver fresh, nutritious, and delicious meals and snacks directly to consumers. This leadership position involves overseeing the integration of sustainable and organic sourcing practices throughout the supply chain. The President & Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities include fostering innovation in food preparation and delivery systems to enhance customer convenience and satisfaction. Pete Aiken's strategic oversight ensures Thistle's continued growth and market leadership in the direct-to-consumer nutrition space, emphasizing quality and accessibility.

    Kyusik Chung - Chief Operating Officer & Chief People Officer

    Kyusik Chung, the Chief Operating Officer & Chief People Officer at Thistle, directs both the operational efficiency and human capital strategies. Chung oversees the end-to-end production and logistics of Thistle's nutritious meals, juices, and snacks, ensuring adherence to quality standards and sustainable sourcing. Simultaneously, this executive leads all people-related functions, including talent acquisition, employee development, and fostering a positive workplace culture aligned with Thistle's mission. Kyusik Chung's dual role ensures seamless integration between operational demands and the cultivation of a skilled, motivated workforce. This leadership drives operational scalability and strengthens the internal foundation necessary for Thistle's continued expansion and success in the direct-to-consumer market.
    Kyusik Chung

    LeeAnn Johnson - President

    LeeAnn Johnson, the President at Thistle, oversees critical aspects of the company's strategic growth and operational management. Johnson focuses on enhancing Thistle's direct-to-consumer delivery model, ensuring the efficient distribution of fresh, nutritious, and delicious meals and snacks. This leadership role involves driving initiatives that support the company's commitment to local, organic, and sustainable ingredients. LeeAnn Johnson's responsibilities include optimizing supply chain logistics and fostering strong relationships with suppliers and customers. The President's strategic input is vital for expanding Thistle's market presence and reinforcing its reputation for quality and convenience in the food and nutrition industry.

    Sydney Deal - Director, OR Production & Chief People Officer

    Sydney Deal, the Director, OR Production & Chief People Officer at Thistle, manages key operational functions and human resources. Deal oversees the production processes for Thistle's nutritious meals, juices, and snacks, ensuring high standards of quality and efficiency in preparation and packaging. This executive also leads the company's people strategy, focusing on talent management, employee engagement, and cultivating a supportive work environment that aligns with Thistle's values of health and sustainability. Sydney Deal's dual responsibility ensures that operational excellence is matched by a strong, people-centric culture, driving both production output and employee satisfaction within the direct-to-consumer food brand.
    Sydney Deal

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    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 Kenneth Buser (President & Chief Executive Officer) and Pete Aiken (President & Chief Executive Officer).
    Who is part of Thistle’s executive team?
    The executive team of Thistle includes leaders such as Gray Solomon (Chief Executive Officer), Kenneth Buser (President & Chief Executive Officer), Pete Aiken (President & Chief Executive Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Thistle have?
    Thistle has 6 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, President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer & Chief People Officer, President.