GoodSAM Foods taps VP of revenue and growth
The hire comes to the brand from Thrive Market, as head of merchandising.
James Ren. Courtesy of GoodSAM Foods
GoodSAM Foods, the mission-driven food brand dedicated to regenerative agriculture, transparency, and farmer empowerment, announced that James Ren, the former head of merchandising at Thrive Market, will join the company as vice president of revenue and growth.
Ren will be responsible for guiding the company’s next phase of growth across retail and direct-to-consumer channels. This hire follows GoodSAM’s $9 million Series A funding and aims to support the company’s broader mission to build a regenerative, transparent food system by scaling growth, launching new product lines, and building profitability while deepening partnerships with smallholder and indigenous farmers, it says.
“Bringing James Ren over to GoodSAM is something I’ve been manifesting for years,” says Heather K. Terry, CEO and founder of GoodSAM Foods. “James is sharp, driven, and deeply committed to building something that will endure. The CPG landscape has shifted, and the world now needs viable, long-term businesses to replace extractive capitalist models. That requires grit, vision, and heart—qualities that James embodies. He’s exactly the kind of leader who wants to make a real mark, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to have him on our team.”
Ren brings more than 15 years of experience in CPG, retail, merchandising, brand strategy, and go-to-market execution. Most recently, he led food merchandising at Thrive Market, where he developed category strategy, partnered with and launched early-stage brands, and scaled high-velocity assortments across categories. Prior to his time at Thrive Market, Ren held leadership roles at Walmart and gained global CPG experience at Mars and Reckitt.
“Joining GoodSAM feels like going home,” says Ren. “I’ve been advising the company for years and always felt a deep alignment with the mission, the team, and the way Heather leads. GoodSAM isn’t just a brand. It’s a platform for what the future of food can look like: equitable, regenerative, and transparent. I’ve had a front-row seat to that vision, and now it’s time to roll up my sleeves and bring the vision to life.”
Ren currently serves on the board of the Specialty Food Association; advises companies through his collective, Renovate Studios; and invests in rising food and beverage brands.
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