Winslow, Maine-based Maine Crisp has announced that former board member Lewis Goldstein is joining the company as CEO. His marketing and leadership expertise in the natural and organic food sector will help accelerate the company’s national expansion.
Throughout a career spanning major brands including Sam Adams, Snapple, Kiss My Face and Organic Valley, Goldstein has gravitated toward craft, natural and organic consumer products. Motivated by a passion to support consumers’ healthy lifestyles, Goldstein has built a track record of branded sales growth and product innovation.
In positions as EVP of marketing at Organic Valley and, earlier, as VP of marketing at Kiss My Face, Goldstein drove triple-digit revenue growth, developed innovation capabilities, grew brands’ connections with consumers and expanded brands into new categories and distribution channels.
“I have always thrived on doing what people don’t expect a brand to do, and doing it in a way that makes consumers feel good, smile and fall in love with the brand,” Goldstein said.
“I think of myself as a coach, motivating the team to dream about accomplishing more than they ever thought they could. What Karen and the team have done to date is amazing and I am in awe of the products and company. We are going to connect the passion, hard work and delicious products that got us here to more consumers around the country through innovation, broader distribution, and sharing our story.”
While at Organic Valley, Lewis was gifted a package of Maine Crisps by Steve Getz, former VP of marketing of Maine Crisp and Organic Valley colleague. The company shared that Goldstein “loved the product, understood the market potential of better-for-you snacks and was inspired by the Maine-grown buckwheat that forms the basis of the naturally gluten-free crisps.” He joined the Maine Crisp board of directors for a term that ended when he was named CEO.
“As Maine Crisp looks to expand into several product categories, we felt that it was critical to bring in a CEO with both a strong CPG background and a bold strategic vision,” said Michael Ross, chairman of Maine Crisp.
“We are confident that under Lewis’ leadership, Maine Crisp will evolve from a specialty cracker brand to a company that offers the delicious and nutritious benefits of buckwheat in multiple exciting categories to enhance the consumer experience.”
In his first quarter as CEO, Lewis has focused Maine Crisp on several changes that will be announced in 2023.
For more information, visit mainecrisp.com.
