Cascade Designs, the Seattle-based manufacturer of outdoor equipment, promoted Drew Keegan from director of stoves & cookware to vice president of product development and marketing services.
In his new position, Keegan will oversee product development and marketing execution for Cascade Designs, including the company’s eight outdoor brands Therma-Rest, MSR, Platypus, E-Case, PackTowl, SealLine, Hummingbird, and Tracks.
Keegan will help guide strategy as a member of the company’s executive team as well as foster companywide creativity, risk taking, and tinkering on research and development projects.
“Drew’s previous experience as a division director, product manager, and engineer gives him a well-balanced skill base to tackle the challenges of this new position,” said Joe McSwiney, president of Cascade Designs. “We’re confident that under his leadership we will surpass our future marketing and product development goals.”
Keegan played a pivotal role in 75 percent of MSR’s current product line. Since 1991, he’s predominately worked in the premier MSR category of stoves and cookware-and has helped launch more than a dozen game-changing backcountry products, including the Reactor Stove System, WhisperLite Universal, MicroRocket, and the original Evo snowshoe.
“Working for Cascade Designs is much more than a job, I constantly find myself talking about product, marketing strategy, or industry news outside of work,” Keegan said. “I’m excited about the challenges to come. I’m ready to streamline processes, remove roadblocks, and foster a more creative and fun team.”
Keegan will lead a talented team dedicated to product development, marketing and sales. The leading team is comprised of Darren Pinne, analytics director; Paul Smith, engineering director; Phil Hitch, product development director; Jennifer Gombas, director of marketing operations; and Kerri Dellisanti, public relations manager.