“His vast tobacco industry knowledge combined with his consulting experience uniquely qualifies him for this important and demanding role,” says DNA Distributors president.
DNA Distributors, the makers of Cigalectric Electronic Cigarettes has hired Kraig Knudsen as vice president of business development.
In this role, Knudsen will be responsible for all aspects of market penetration and Cigalectric product distribution. Knudsen will also look to strengthen and build long-term relationships for DNA with its retail and wholesale partners.
“We are thrilled to have Kraig joining our team,” said DNA President Dan Mastrolonardo. “He is a highly respected member of the tobacco community. His vast tobacco industry knowledge combined with his consulting experience uniquely qualifies him for this important and demanding role. Kraig will be instrumental in Cigalectric becoming the premier brand in the electronic industry. We will set the standard as to what all other electronic cigarette brands are measured against.”
“I am thoroughly looking forward to this exciting opportunity,” Knudsen said. “The electronic segment is still in the infancy of its product life cycle. I not only look forward to positioning Cigalectric as the industry leader, but I also embrace taking on a leadership role in this quickly changing fragmented industry.”
Having been a respected member of the tobacco industry for over 27 years, Knudsen brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to DNA and its Cigalectric brand. Knudsen spent the first 20+ years of his career at RJ Reynolds Tobacco working in various sales management roles. He was part of the original product rollout team for RJR’s Eclipse brand, which was one of the first reduced smoke tobacco products, and was the predecessor to what we now know as Electronic cigarettes.
Knudsen has also worked as a consultant in the tobacco industry assisting clients in the retail, wholesale, manufacturing, merchandising and government sectors. Knudsen’s most recent role was as Tobacco Category Manager at Road Ranger LLC in Rockford, Ill.