BROOKLYN GRANGE APPOINTS NEW CEO, SAM MURRAY, TO USHER IN COMPANY’S NEXT CHAPTER OF GROWTH
LENAPEHOKING; NEW YORK, NEW YORK - (October 31, 2024): Brooklyn Grange, the New York City-based urban green space firm, rooftop farm, and events venue, has appointed seasoned Executive Leader, Sam Murray, as its first post-Founder CEO. With a robust history of leading mid-sized businesses in industries ranging from retail, CPG, and e-commerce to manufacturing and B2B services, Murray has the kind of broad experience and diverse skill set to lead the multifaceted and innovative business.
The Founding CEO, Ben Flanner, and his co-Founder and Chief Impact Officer, Anastasia Plakias, elected to initiate a search for a new company leader early this year, believing the business would benefit from a fresh perspective. Engaging the recruiting firm KK&P, the co-Founders and their Board prioritized candidates with hands-on experience leading workforces at mission-driven, customer-focused organizations with diverse stakeholders; strategic leaders with deep financial acumen and proven business development track records, and those with an appetite for tackling complex challenges. “We sought someone who could mentor and continue to develop the incredible talent we are honored to call our team at Brooklyn Grange,” said Plakias, “and who could also challenge this business, which is such an important destination for New Yorkers to experience beautiful, unique green spaces, to grow into its full potential as a catalyst for climate resilience and a true New York City institution.”
Murray has a demonstrated track record of identifying growth opportunities, developing market strategies, and navigating business cycles. His passion for business, people, and ensuring that goals are rooted in growth, environmental, and social impact, have already renewed energy across the organization. “We’ve built an absolutely unique and amazing business since we started farming roofs 15 years ago,” observes Ben Flanner. “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.”
Murray, who officially started at the organization on October 15th, has been learning the many facets of Brooklyn Grange’s products and services. “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.”
About Brooklyn Grange
Brooklyn Grange champions sustainable and resilient urban living by building green spaces, hosting events, and widening access to locally grown produce in New York City. Since 2010 the business has pioneered intensive green roofing, operating the world’s largest rooftop soil farms that host thousands of guests each year to reconnect with nature. For more information, please visit www.BrooklynGrangeFarm.com
FURTHER INQUIRIES, CONTACT:
Tracy Ullman, Communications & Marketing Associate, Brooklyn Grange
Tullman@brooklyngrangefarm.com