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Name
Kim Malek
Title
Salt & Straw Ice Cream Founder and CEO
Bio
An industry leader and innovator, Kim Malek is the CEO and Co-Founder of the Portland-based Salt & Straw Ice Cream. Since founding the company in 2011, Malek has built Salt & Straw from a humble ice cream cart into a fast-growing company with 30 locations while retaining its bones as a family-run company known for its culture of hospitality. A pioneer in localization, every chef-driven ice cream flavor conceptualized by Malek’s cousin and co-founder, Tyler Malek, is handmade in small batches using the best organic and sustainable ingredients from local farmers and artisans.
Malek is a humble and passionate leader, engaged member of the community, and a champion for causes such as childhood hunger and equal rights through initiatives such as community hiring programs. Prior to launching Salt & Straw, Malek held positions at Starbucks Coffee, Yahoo!, adidas and Gardenburger in marketing, community outreach, and product management and development. She also worked with Bono of U2 on an online music service (RED) and with Seattle’s Cupcake Royale, specializing in retail marketing and management and bringing new, epicurean trends to market.
Malek founded Salt & Straw to create neighborhood gathering places, and the company’s strong community roots and dedication to giving back drives everything they do. In 2014, Malek received the Portland Business Journal’s Women of Influence Award, and in 2017 was recognized by Basic Rights Oregon as an Equality Advocate Honoree. That same year, Malek interviewed Vice President Joe Biden for his “Promise Me, Dad” nationwide book tour. Additionally, Malek has been named to Inc Magazine’s 100 Female Founders list of entrepreneurs, the Cherry Bombe 100 list featuring female leaders in the culinary space, and Nation's Restaurant News’ Power List.
Malek lives in Portland with her partner, three children and two dogs.
Malek is a humble and passionate leader, engaged member of the community, and a champion for causes such as childhood hunger and equal rights through initiatives such as community hiring programs. Prior to launching Salt & Straw, Malek held positions at Starbucks Coffee, Yahoo!, adidas and Gardenburger in marketing, community outreach, and product management and development. She also worked with Bono of U2 on an online music service (RED) and with Seattle’s Cupcake Royale, specializing in retail marketing and management and bringing new, epicurean trends to market.
Malek founded Salt & Straw to create neighborhood gathering places, and the company’s strong community roots and dedication to giving back drives everything they do. In 2014, Malek received the Portland Business Journal’s Women of Influence Award, and in 2017 was recognized by Basic Rights Oregon as an Equality Advocate Honoree. That same year, Malek interviewed Vice President Joe Biden for his “Promise Me, Dad” nationwide book tour. Additionally, Malek has been named to Inc Magazine’s 100 Female Founders list of entrepreneurs, the Cherry Bombe 100 list featuring female leaders in the culinary space, and Nation's Restaurant News’ Power List.
Malek lives in Portland with her partner, three children and two dogs.
