Yeti Coolers, which created the market for $200-plus coolers, has expanded its marketing team.
Effective immediately, LeighAnn Bakunas takes the reins as Yeti’s Beer and BBQ Marketing Manager, Joe Koehly joins as Yeti’s Outdoor Marketing Manager and Ben O’Brien has been named Yeti’s Hunting Marketing Manager. Each brings seasoned experience, innovative thinking and unrivaled passion for their work to the Yeti marketing team.
“As we set goals higher and higher for Yeti, we’re stocking the team with the best talent available across our markets,” said Roy Seiders, founder and CEO of Yeti Coolers. “We’re excited about the team we’ve assembled, the potential this group has and we’re looking forward to what the future holds for Yeti.”
LeighAnn Bakunas was most recently the Special Events Director of Texas Monthly where she oversaw the events division working with the top pitmasters in Texas. A graduate of Texas State University San Marcos, Bakunas has over ten years of professional experience in marketing. Her work in building successful marketing campaigns and events for clients such as Ketel One Vodka, RAM Trucks, and Macy’s will benefit her greatly in her new role at Yeti as the brand looks to make in-roads into core barbecue and beer markets throughout Texas and beyond.
From the tallest point in Africa to the architectural wonder of Machu Picchu, Joe Koehly's lifelong passion for the outdoors has led him to some of the furthest reaches of the globe. After attending the University of Kansas, Joe spent the past twelve years as Director and Head Guide for Backwoods Adventures where he gained significant exposure to activities across the outdoor industry. Joe will continue to leverage his outdoor expertise to elevate Yeti’s reach into the adventure market.
An alumnus of Hood College in Frederick, MD, Ben O’Brien comes to the Yeti team from Petersen’s Hunting where he was most recently the Executive Editor. O’Brien has a genuine and authentic voice in the hunting community, and will work closely with Yeti pro staff and key stakeholders to maintain and nurture Yeti’s deep ties and roots in the hunting industry.
All new marketing team members will report directly to Yeti’s Director of Brand Marketing, Jason Michelotti. For more on the company and its full line of products and accessories, visit yeticoolers.com.
Yeti Coolers builds indestructible products that keep ice for days. Founded in Austin, Texas in 2006 by sportsmen Roy and Ryan Seiders , Yeti created and leads the premium cooler category, and has successfully expanded into premium drinkware, soft coolers, and branded apparel. Professional hunters, anglers, outdoor adventurers, and BBQ pitmasters trust Yeti to stand up to the world’s harshest conditions
