This Marin County blog post shares news about a leadership shift at the San Rafael–based seaweed snack company Gimme Seaweed. Chris Lansing steps in as the new CEO, and the update dives into how his arrival ties into the brand’s expansion plans, product momentum, and Marin’s own economy.
From San Rafael to Sausalito and further up the coast, folks are taking notice. Residents who keep an eye on local businesses shaping Bay Area food tech and healthy snacking trends seem especially curious about what’s next.
Discover hand-picked hotels and vacation homes tailored for every traveler. Skip booking fees and secure your dream stay today with real-time availability!
Browse Accommodations Now
Leadership pivot signals a sea change for Marin’s seaweed boom
With co-founders Annie Chun and Stephen Broad still involved, Lansing will handle day‑to‑day operations and map out growth strategy for Gimme Seaweed. Board members point to his strong track record scaling consumer brands and guiding companies to successful exits, saying his appointment sends a clear message about the brand’s direction.
San Rafael already boasts a thriving food-tech scene. People around Marin are watching to see if Lansing’s approach will catch on with younger shoppers in towns like Mill Valley, Fairfax, and Tiburon.
About Chris Lansing
Chris Lansing comes to Gimme Seaweed after leading Health-A Kombucha and Nature’s Bakery. He’s also held senior roles at big names like Procter & Gamble, PepsiCo, Hershey’s, and Peet’s Coffee.
The company’s board highlights his knack for scaling brands, expanding distribution, and steering companies through exits. Lansing’s background in both large and mid‑size consumer goods companies feels like a good fit for Marin’s lively retail scene, stretching from Larkspur to Novato.
Expansion plans and local impact
This leadership change lines up with Gimme Seaweed‘s bigger expansion announced in November. There’s a new manufacturing facility in Madera, an expanded headquarters, and a wave of new jobs across different roles.
For Marin County, that means a stronger anchor in the local economy as the brand pushes into new markets along the 101 corridor and into neighborhoods in San Rafael, Corte Madera, and Sausalito. Here’s what’s happening on the ground:
- More production capacity to keep up with demand from San Rafael retailers and Marin‑area eateries that stock seaweed snacks.
- New jobs in operations, sales, marketing, and supply chain, which should help the Marin County job market from San Anselmo to Ross and even across the Golden Gate Bridge.
- Expanded headquarters to back up regional distribution and work more closely with Bay Area distributors and specialty grocers from Mill Valley to Fairfax.
- Strategic manufacturing growth in Madera, letting Marin facilities focus on branding, R&D, and regional marketing campaigns aimed at health‑conscious locals.
In Marin’s food‑savvy towns—San Rafael, Sausalito, and Tiburon—this move could spark more product sampling at farmers markets and local co‑ops. That fits right in with the region’s love for healthy, coastal snacks.
The timing feels pretty good, too, since Marin’s got a strong interest in sustainable agriculture and coastal supply chains. That’s a theme for residents who hit up farmers markets in Corte Madera and Larkspur and keep tabs on food‑tech news out of the San Rafael corridor.
Product momentum and brand values
Gimme Seaweed rolled out new products in late February 2026. The lineup now includes K‑Crisps ramen, popcorn, and toast topping packs.
Stephen Broad pointed out that Lansing’s arrival comes at just the right time. He thinks the brand can reach more people but still keep its original spirit and purpose.
Gen Z and Gen Alpha shoppers are asking for more mindful snacks. With Lansing stepping in, the Marin brand is set up to grow, but they’re not about to ditch their focus on quality or transparency—at least, that’s the plan.
If you live in San Rafael and stroll through Terra Linda or along North San Pedro Road, you might notice Gimme Seaweed popping up in more local markets. The company wants to tap into Lansing’s background in big-brand distribution and on-the-ground marketing.
This move fits Marin’s reputation for health-driven food innovation. From Novato to Fairfax, these kinds of products seem to find a home, and who knows—maybe even Sonoma will catch on.
The company wants to keep growing in the healthy snack scene, but they’re not looking to lose their Marin and Bay Area roots. Lansing’s solid track record, their plans for the Madera facility, and a push to expand in the Bay Area all point to a bigger seaweed-snack presence from San Rafael to Fairfax.
For folks in Marin County, that could mean more local pride in a snack that’s both tasty and actually good for the planet. And let’s be honest, there’s something about that local flavor that just feels like Marin.
Here is the source article for this story: Marin County snack company Gimme Seaweed appoints CEO
Find available hotels and vacation homes instantly. No fees, best rates guaranteed!
Check Availability Now
Cities and Towns in Marin County
Things to Do in Marin County
Places to Stay in Marin County
