SEATTLE — Mark F. Murray has been named president and chief executive officer of Jones Soda Co. Mr. Murray began working with the company as a consultant earlier this year and has been president since Sept. 1.

A  38-year veteran of the consumer packaged goods and foodservice industries, Mr. Murray already has helped implement new cost and management controls, a revised sales strategy focusing on core product offerings, and a new three-year strategic plan that includes expansion into foodservice and club channels. He also has played a critical role in encouraging and shaping renewed marketing investments, including a high-profile RV campaign featuring skateboarder Tony Hawk, as well as supporting an ongoing series of promotions using Jones Soda labels as a canvas for personal expression to reinforce the company’s heritage as the people’s craft soda, the company said.

“Mark hit the ground running when he was hired as a consultant and has proven to be instrumental in the early days of our turnaround strategy,” said Mick Fleming, chairman of the board at Jones Soda. “His experience, guidance and vision have helped us streamline costs, improve almost every aspect of operations, raise brand awareness, and build strong momentum, even in the midst of a pandemic. Considering what he has accomplished in just a few months, having Mark at the helm positions the company to achieve sustainable, profitable growth in the months and years ahead.”

Prior to joining Jones Soda, Mr. Murray was president of JGC Foods, a 600-employee North American food manufacturer specializing in fresh soups, sauces, sides, and entrees. Earlier in his career, Mr. Murray held various senior sales and marketing positions for Harry’s Fresh Foods, SOLO Cup Co., Campbell’s Food Co. and Kraft Heinz Food Service.