Fleishman, Chief Marketing Officer, Leaves Sambazon

Greg Fleishman, the veteran marketing hand brought on to help broaden the company’s consumer base, has left the company after a three-year run.

Greg Fleishman

Sambazon CEO Ryan Black confirmed Fleishman’s departure, saying that the separation was amicable and that the brand – which sells products largely based on the Amazonian Acai berry – is on a positive growth trajectory. The company recently added new SKUs in several retailers, including Safeway, some Ahold supermarket banners, and developed a three-day Cleanse line that is now in Costco and on the verge of expanding into other retail markets.

Black, who started the company with his brother Jeremy and another associate, downplayed the significance of Fleishman’s decision to leave the company, saying that the company had been able to fill the position by promoting marketing director Ryan Therriault. Like Fleishman, Therriault has deep experience in marketing natural and specialty brands like Kashi and Bear Naked granola. Fleishman brought a strong background in consumer segmentation and product innovation to the brand, having also worked as CMO at Coke’s Fuze and Powerade properties in addition to his natural products experience.

“We decided it was best for both parties in terms of Greg,” Black said. “We’re definitely happy with the track we’re on. Greg did some great things in terms of our positioning – which is what we brought him on to do. We’re in execution mode now and have a solid plan.”

Fleishman said he had left the company to “pursue opportunities that I can’t pass up.” As for Sambazon,   “The business is chugging along and there’s no animosity. I’m very appreciative of Ryan and Jeremy to let me have the chance to lead the marketing at Sambazon.”