Stanley, a brand of PMI, has hired Kelly Kraus as vice president – Stanley. A prominent figure in the outdoor industry, Kraus brings 30 years of product, sales and marketing management expertise to the 100-year-old iconic brand. She will be responsible for overseeing key functions of the Stanley brand including sales, product management, marketing and sales operations.



“We are excited to welcome an industry veteran of Kelly’s caliber to join our team,” said PMI’s executive vice president Mike Bross. “I am positive that Kelly’s expertise combined with the vision, drive and camaraderie of the Stanley team will

bring even more growth and success for the brand.”

 

Kraus, shown to the right,  joins PMI most recently from REI where she was director of private brand management across all product categories, including the Novara bicycle brand as well as REI branded tents, packs, outerwear, and numerous accessories.

 

 

Previous to REI, Kelly was director of sales and marketing at Werner Paddles and held sales leadership roles at Cascade Designs and MSR. Kelly also spent nearly 10 years at the start of her career as an outdoor industry manufacturer’s sales representative. For the past 5 years Kelly has given back to her community by serving on the board of Big City Mountaineers, an organization dedicated to helping provide critical life skills to underprivileged urban youth through wilderness mentoring expeditions.

 

Through the vision and hard work of the Stanley team the brand has experienced tremendous growth — proving that the 100-year-old brand is as relevant today as it ever was. Kraus’s addition comes at a time when the brand is just realizing its true potential and her skills will be well utilized in bringing it to new heights of success.

 

“I’m really looking forward to being part of the team at PMI with their incredible innovation culture and commitment to corporate social responsibility. And it’s a real privilege to get to work with the Stanley team to continue to drive the success of such an iconic heritage brand that has touched so many people’s lives by helping them connect to each other and the outdoors!” said Kelly Kraus.

 

Founded in 1983, by Rob Harris, PMI manufactures, markets, and designs innovative food and beverage solutions for busy lifestyles across the globe. PMI’s two most recognizable brands, Stanley and Aladdin, are both over 100 years old. Headquartered in Seattle, PMI has offices in Bentonville, Shanghai, Amsterdam and Manila and ownership in PMI Joinease manufacturing in China. It currently distributes its products in over 50 countries worldwide.