Pacific Market International Names New CEO and New Sales Leadership

October 1, 2018

From founder-led to founder-inspired, PMI’s Rob Harris hands the reigns to Bob

SEATTLE, WA (October 1, 2018) – After 35 years at the helm, Pacific Market International (PMI) founder Rob Harris is proud to announce Bob Keller’s appointment as the new Chief Executive Officer. Effective immediately, Keller is responsible for day-to-day operations of the Company, reporting to the Board of Directors, while Harris transitions to the role of PMI’s Chairman of the Board. As the company’s second CEO, Keller has the background and personality to lead PMI’s family of brands including Stanley^®, Aladdin^® and Migo^® into the next 30-plus years. “PMI is a team of dedicated individuals and as a proven people-oriented leader – deeply committed to the same values that have made this such a great company. I have the utmost confidence that Bob will succeed in this role, and the team will benefit from his extensive experience,” states Harris.     

Keller was previously CEO of Escalade Inc. for nearly nine years, where he led its transformation into a focused sporting goods and outdoor recreation company. Significant results during Keller’s tenure included strengthened product innovation and brand marketing, streamlined operations and dramatically improved financial results. Keller has worked for several best-in-class consumer product companies, including Coca-Cola, Clorox, Vista Outdoor and Russell Athletic.

Keller states, “I am thrilled and honored to join the PMI team and lead the transition from a founder-led to founder-inspired organization. Rob is a true visionary who has built a world class company with a vibrant culture. His values and entrepreneurial spirit will continue to inspire and guide us in the future.”

Greg Ackard has also joined PMI as the new Executive Vice President of North American Sales with responsibility for overseeing all facets of PMI’s North American Sales Team. Ackard has an impressive background in consumer-packaged goods across multiple  product categories and trade channels according to Keller. “Greg’s tremendous  experience in sales and leadership will be an excellent fit with the needs and demands of PMI in this highly competitive and changing consumer environment,” he adds. 

Most recently Ackard was the President of Renfro Corporation’s largest operating division and was responsible for leading the sales, marketing, product development, and merchandising functions of that company.

Bringing their respective proven track records of facilitating long-term growth, Keller and Ackard assume the task to continue elevating PMI’s brand portfolio in a manner which exceeds the customer’s expectations in both existing and new markets. Their leadership and experience will be instrumental in building world-class teams focused on capturing consumer demand and expanding PMI’s marketplace presence. 

About PMI:
Founded in 1983 by Rob Harris and guided by principles of sustainability, community and integrity, PMI manufactures, markets, and designs innovative food and beverage container solutions under three brands.  Their two most recognizable brands, Stanley^® and Aladdin^®, are both over 100 years old and sold globally.  Migo^® was founded in 1999 and is rapidly growing in the Asia Pacific region.  PMI also creates private label products for select global retailers.  Headquartered in Seattle, PMI has offices in Bentonville, Shanghai, Amsterdam, Manila, and Rio de Janeiro. Additionally, PMI has ownership in three manufacturing facilities, one in China and two in Brazil.