Smith Optics has hired Scott “Pod” Banuelosis as surf marketing and promotions manager. Effective immediately, Pod will be responsible for all surf team management and marketing operations in Smith Optics’ San Clemente, California, office.

A native of Huntington Beach, Pod joins Smith Optics with a wealth of experience and respect in the surf industry. Most recently, Pod served as the national promotions and team manager for Rip Curl Inc. where he managed team athletes and coordinated promotions, media, sponsorship and special events. Prior to Rip Curl, Pod worked as the marketing director at Counter Culture where he was responsible for surf, skate, wake and snow team budgets and promotions, among other things. Pod has also worked at Excel Wetsuits Inc. in Haleiwa, Hawaii, and Robert August Surfboards.

At Smith Optics, Pod will oversee all surf team functions, work with the in-house sales team in San Clemente to continue to build Smith’s presence in surf, and be the eyes and ears of marketing operations in Southern California.

“Pod’s background in many aspects of our business coupled with his reputation and established contacts in the surf industry will make him a solid contributor to our team. We are excited to have him on board,” says Kerry Marumoto, Smith’s Senior Vice President of Marketing.