Appointments Urban Farming

Brooklyn Grange Appoints Sam Murray as First CEO

Sam Murray, a leader with experience in retail, CPG, e-commerce, manufacturing, and B2B services, joins Brooklyn Grange as CEO.
Image provided by The Brooklyn Grange

Key Takeaways:

  • Sam Murray, a leader with experience in retail, CPG, e-commerce, manufacturing, and B2B services, joins Brooklyn Grange as CEO.
  • Murray brings expertise in growth strategies, market development, and mission-driven leadership, aligning with Brooklyn Grange’s goals.
  • Founders Ben Flanner and Anastasia Plakias led the CEO search, seeking a strategic leader to guide Brooklyn Grange’s growth as a catalyst for climate resilience.
  • Murray began on October 15, with a focus on advancing the company’s mission to create climate-adaptive urban green spaces.

Brooklyn Grange, a New York City-based urban green space organization known for its rooftop farms and events venues, has announced the appointment of Sam Murray as its first CEO post-Founder leadership. With a background spanning various industries, including retail, consumer packaged goods, and e-commerce, Murray brings extensive experience to the role, tasked with guiding Brooklyn Grange into a new phase of growth and development.

Leadership Transition and Vision

Brooklyn Grange’s founders, Ben Flanner and Anastasia Plakias, began the search for a new CEO earlier this year, aiming to introduce new perspectives and leadership strategies to the organization. Working with the recruiting firm KK&P, the search focused on finding candidates with experience in managing mission-driven organizations with diverse stakeholders, a deep understanding of financial strategies, and a strong background in workforce leadership.

“We sought someone who could mentor and continue to develop the incredible talent we are honored to call our team at Brooklyn Grange,” said Co-Founder and Chief Impact Officer Anastasia Plakias, “and who could also challenge this business…to grow into its full potential as a catalyst for climate resilience and a true New York City institution.”

Murray’s experience in identifying growth opportunities and his commitment to environmental and social impact align well with the urban farm’s mission to develop climate-adaptive urban green spaces.

Strategic Focus and Next Steps

Since officially joining on October 15, Murray has focused on learning about Brooklyn Grange’s diverse offerings and services. Reflecting on his new role, Murray said, “It is a privilege to work alongside the inspiring team at Brooklyn Grange and to help steward the company into our next phase of growth. Our mission remains creating, cultivating, and celebrating transformative and climate-adaptive urban green habitats that reap benefits for our planet and the community now and into the future.”

Brooklyn Grange founders and board members are optimistic about Murray’s ability to build on the company’s foundations. Ben Flanner, the Founding CEO, commented, “We are excited for Sam as he impressively demonstrates his ability to jump in and comprehend the many facets of Brooklyn Grange and to take all areas of our business into the next chapter.”

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