News March 16, 2018
SnugZ Names New COO, Restructures Leadership
SnugZ USA (asi/88060) has named Justin Gukeisen its new chief operating officer. The COO announcement came as part of a broader restructuring of the West Jordan, UT-based supplier’s leadership team, which SnugZ says it is undertaking to strategically manage growth.
Gukeisen has been with SnugZ USA for two years, recently filling the role of vice president of manufacturing. During that time, Gukeisen “has been influential in process improvement and manufacturing excellence.” He will now oversee all of the processes of SnugZ, from order entry and art, to manufacturing and shipping.
Meanwhile, Rosanne Webster, former COO and a SnugZ employee for 13-plus years, will be taking over as chief information officer. In the CIO role, Webster will help lead and develop the software and processes SnugZ says it will need to compete in the digital age.
In other moves, Brandon Brown will continue leading SnugZ’s marketing department under the new title of vice president of marketing, while taking on the additional responsibility of overseeing new product development. Also, Chris Culley, formerly director of lanyard manufacturing, is now director of research and development. Katy Burum is moving from the role of national account executive to inside sales manager.
In her new position as business development manager, Sydra Newell will focus her attention on business development and servicing online accounts. Furthermore, Kathy DiFrancesco will be taking over as outside sales manager, guiding and mentoring the outside sales team and multi-line reps. Brandon Mackay remains CEO/President.
“These positions add to an already strong and dedicated leadership team to provide sustained success moving forward,” SnugZ leaders said in a statement.
Founded in 1989, SnugZ USA has grown from five employees to more than 500. The company specializes in providing lanyards, health and beauty products, and corporate gifts for the promotional products market.