San Rafael-based snack innovator Gimme Seaweed just named Chris Lansing its new chief executive. The move signals a push to get its seaweed-forward lineup out of Marin County and onto shelves across the country.
Lansing’s got a history of steering growth at Health-Ade Kombucha and Nature’s Bakery. She’s also held senior roles at Procter & Gamble, PepsiCo, Hershey’s, and Peet’s Coffee. If anyone can translate Gimme Seaweed’s Marin vibe into a bigger national presence, it’s probably her. The Bay Area’s food culture seems to be cheering them on.
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A New Chapter for a Marin Brand
Gimme Seaweed’s leadership shift comes at a time when the company wants to ramp up production and distribution. They’re eyeing a growth plan that stretches from San Rafael and San Anselmo to the busy markets of San Francisco.
Lansing will handle daily operations and growth strategy. Co-founders Annie Chun and Stephen Broad are staying involved, making sure the brand’s Marin roots don’t get lost. The Bay Area’s obsession with sustainable, fast snacks makes this feel like a natural fit for Marin’s food scene, with its Mill Valley chefs and bustling farmers markets in Fairfax and Corte Madera.
Chris Lansing: A Proven Growth Architect
- Track record of scaling brands in competitive consumer spaces, and she’s known for keeping brand integrity intact.
- Led teams at Health-Ade Kombucha and Nature’s Bakery, building trust from the Bay to Marin’s markets.
- Experience at global CPG giants—P&G, PepsiCo, Hershey’s, and Peet’s Coffee—brings solid growth strategies for Gimme Seaweed’s national ambitions.
- Board members point to her skill at scaling brands while keeping brand values front and center, which matters to Marin’s snack-loving families.
Marin Roots and a Local Brand with Global Ambitions
Gimme Seaweed got its start in the North Bay, with San Rafael as the launchpad. Demand for seaweed snacks has been rising across Marin, from Sausalito’s houseboats to San Anselmo’s redwood-lined neighborhoods.
The company’s mission fits right in with Marin’s focus on sustainable, healthy eating. Households in Novato and Ross want snacks that are convenient but don’t compromise on environmental values. This leadership change isn’t just about a new CEO; it’s about doubling down on making seaweed snacks a staple from Corte Madera to Mill Valley, and across the Golden Gate into San Francisco.
Expansion and Economic Momentum for Marin
- California’s GO-Biz points to plans for a new manufacturing facility in Madera, which is a big step in scaling up production while keeping the Bay Area story alive.
- The company will expand its headquarters and add jobs, which means more opportunities for Marin suppliers and North Bay distributors.
- In late February 2026, Gimme Seaweed launched new snacks—K-Crisps ramen, popcorn, and toast topping packs—to reach beyond their original seaweed snack fans.
Innovation on the Menu: K-Crisps and More
The new product lineup taps into Marin County’s craving for sustainable snacks that don’t skimp on taste or convenience. Gen Z and Gen Alpha shoppers, who care about environmental impact, are already picking up seaweed-based snacks for lunchboxes or quick bites in Sausalito or Tiburon.
Gimme Seaweed’s new ramen crisps, popcorn twists, and toast toppers put the brand in the mix with local competitors in San Rafael and San Carlos. They’re also squaring up against national brands eyeing the Bay Area as a test ground for what’s next in snack culture.
Looking Ahead: Marin’s Coastal Flavor Meets Broad Demand
Gimme Seaweed is growing fast, with a new Madera facility and a revamped headquarters. Marin County could benefit in two big ways: a stronger local supply chain and more seaweed-forward snacks at nearby grocers.
Think about it—from the Marin Country Mart in Larkspur to The Village in Corte Madera, those shelves might start looking a little greener. The company’s leadership is changing, and with Lansing’s growth blueprint, familiar Marin flavors might travel farther than ever.
You’ll probably see them pop up at farmers markets in San Rafael, or maybe even in Walnut Creek’s grocery aisles. For folks in Fairfax or Novato who already love sustainable, clean-label snacks, this feels like a win—local roots, bigger dreams.
Here is the source article for this story: Marin County snack company Gimme Seaweed names 1st external CEO
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