Runamok Elevates Operations and Marketing Leadership Runamok, the Vermont maple syrup producer, has named Ashley Wainer as Chief Executive Officer and Kelly Murnaghan as Chief Marketing Officer. Co-founders Laura and Eric Sorkin will transition into strategic leadership roles as the company enters its second decade. Wainer has served as Runamok's fractional President and CFO for the past three years, overseeing operations. She previously held executive roles at Vermont Gas Systems and KPMG. "As companies grow they eventually reach a point where the business needs new systems and structure to support what's next," said Wainer. "Runamok has built something incredibly special over the last ten years. My job is to help it grow thoughtfully: give the team the tools to scale without losing the entrepreneurial spirit that makes this brand what it is." Murnaghan joins Runamok after leading marketing for Burton Snowboards, Vans, Converse, Lagunitas Brewing Company, and, most recently, Shady Rays. She will oversee brand strategy, marketing, digital and partnerships. "What drew me to Runamok is that Laura and Eric built a blank canvas," said Murnaghan. "Maple used to be a commodity in a plastic jug. They made it something you can smoke, age in a bourbon barrel, or make sparkle, and there is no obvious end to that list. I'm looking forward to showing a lot more people what maple can be."
Decade of Transformation Eric Sorkin credited the company's early positioning as critical to its trajectory. "Ten years ago, we set out to prove maple syrup could be every bit as exciting and versatile as olive oil or craft spirits," said Sorkin. "We've changed the way people think about maple, but there's still a lot more to explore. Ashley and Kelly believe maple belongs everywhere, from morning coffee to cocktails, and they have the experience to help more people find that out while keeping the craftsmanship that's always defined this company." Runamok, founded in 2016, operates a 55,000-square-foot facility in Fairfax and sources from dozens of Vermont family farms. The company produces pure, barrel-aged, smoked, and infused maple syrups, including its proprietary Sparkle Syrup. Products are distributed through more than 2,100 grocery, specialty, and gift retailers, as well as foodservice channels domestically and internationally. The company plans to introduce new culinary partnerships and expand foodservice offerings in the coming months.
Why It Matters
The shift signals confidence in Runamok's market position within the specialty food sector.
The appointments of experienced operators from beverage and consumer brands underscore the company's ambitions to scale production and distribution while maintaining quality—a common challenge for founder-led food companies moving toward institutional management.
For more insights and trends in the food and beverage sector, check out more articles in The Food & Beverage Magazine family of publications.
Written by FBM Publications Editors
