Outdoor Veteran and Industry Leader, Kelly Kraus, Joins PMI as Vice President of STANLEY Brand

SEATTLE, WA (April 14, 2014) – STANLEY, a brand of PMI, is pleased to announce that Kelly Kraus has joined PMI 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,” Mike Bross, PMI Executive Vice President, states. “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 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.

About STANLEY:

Invented by William Stanley on September 2, 1913 (official patent date), the all steel vacuum bottle revolutionized the way people enjoyed food and beverage. Since then, the STANLEY brand has been delivering superior food and beverage gear for rugged, active lifestyles and remains dedicated to this simple promise: buy STANLEY products, get quality gear. Built for Life®. Learn more, visit www.stanley-pmi.com.

About PMI:

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. Guided by principles of sustainability, community and integrity, PMI has extended these beloved brands into the future while remaining rooted in their past. Headquartered in Seattle, WA, 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.

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