Talking Rain Beverage Company, the parent company of Sparkling Ice, announced today it has appointed Ken Sylvia as its new permanent CEO, effective immediately. He had been serving as interim CEO since Chris Hall’s abrupt departure on April 1.
Sylvia joined the Seattle-based company in 2010 and has held a variety of roles, most recently serving as COO overseeing sales and supply chain. According to the company, Sylvia played a key role in building out Talking Rain’s national distribution network and also played “an integral role in advancing the company’s retail strategy.” As CEO, Sylvia will be responsible for continuing to scale the company.
“I am grateful for this extraordinary opportunity and the overwhelming support within our organization to allow me to continue my journey with Talking Rain as Chief Executive Officer,” Sylvia said in a press release. “I’m humbled to work for an organization that is so very special. We have an amazing company and an incredible brand but what truly sets us apart is our people. I’m so thrilled to wake up every day and take on this journey with all of them.”
Sylvia was unanimously appointed by the board of directors as interim CEO last month, when the company announced Hall would step down after a 15-year run with the company.
“As a trusted partner and advisor to Chris Hall, Ken has a strong understanding of every facet of the Talking Rain business and team,” the company said in a March 25 statement to BevNET. “Chris leaves Talking Rain after 15 years, where his impact has been felt across every department and with each individual Rain Maker.”
BevNET has reached out to Talking Rain for additional comment.