Honey Stinger, the sports nutrition brand featuring honey, has appointed Mike Keown, a longtime veteran of the consumer packaged goods industry, as its new CEO.
With more than 30 years of business leadership, primarily in food and beverages, Keown brings a breadth of experience to Honey Stinger. Honey Stinger founder and co-owner Bill Gamber, who previously served as president and CEO for the brand, will continue to serve on the company’s Board of Directors, and will also continue as CEO of sister company Big Agnes.
“I am honored to join Honey Stinger and help the brand continue to grow into new markets, increase distribution and add new products,” said Keown. “The passion and devotion of the entire team is inspiring, and I couldn’t be more excited to join them here in Steamboat.”
Keown has a strong track record of promoting growth, driving revenue and increasing profit as a business leader and board director across a broad range of companies and product categories. He has held executive positions at Farmer Brothers and WhiteWave Foods, and spent his early years at Procter and Gamble.
Keown’s appointment follows a busy year for Honey Stinger. The company rolled out a comprehensive brand refresh this spring, including all new packaging. It also added several new sponsorships including the TCS New York City Marathon and the Marine Corps Marathon, scored several new collegiate partnerships, expanded distribution into new channels, and more.
As the company looks to take another leap forward in 2020 and beyond, it is actively working to recruit new talent to fill additional roles. The company is committed to stay in Steamboat Springs, where it has thrived for nearly 20 years.
“We are dedicated to Steamboat, and to the community here,” Keown said. “This is where Honey Stinger was born and bred, and that has played a huge role in shaping the brand’s own identity. Our team is proud to continue to call Steamboat home.”
