[PRESS RELEASE] LAS VEGAS, Nov. 21, 2024 – Planet 13 Holdings Inc., a leading vertically integrated multistate cannabis company, hired Bryant Ison as vice president of National Marketing.
Ison joins Planet 13 with a long history of driving brand growth for iconic global brands, such as Pepsi, Band-Aid and Clorox. Ison has deep experience in the cannabis industry launching new brands and he will spearhead all marketing activities to grow the Planet 13 business.
"As part of our multiyear growth strategy, we are focused on significantly expanding the reach and sales of our award-winning, in-house brands including our flower and extract brands Trendi and Medizin, HaHa gummies, and Dreamland chocolates," Planet 13 co-CEO Bob Groesbeck said. "Bryant’s extensive experience in building and driving brand growth across iconic, emerging and cannabis markets makes him an ideal leader for Planet 13’s expansion. We see tremendous opportunities in launching our brands in new markets as well as forming new collaborations with celebrity partners who want to expand their personal brand reach. With Bryant at the helm, we're energized by the potential this holds for our business."
Lee Fraser, chief administrative officer, said, "Beyond spearheading growth for our wholesale brands, Bryant will also oversee the transition of VidaCann locations in Florida to the Planet 13 neighborhood store banner and guide the launch of our new express-format stores in our existing markets. We continue to search for collaboration opportunities with celebrities who want to establish premium seed-to-shelf relationships and utilize the e-commerce platform we've built through Planet 13 Lifestyles, which operates outside the cannabis supply chain."
Ison brings more than 20 years of exceptional brand marketing expertise, with a proven track record of elevating global brands. He has honed his strategic leadership as the managing director and head of marketing at Sterling-Rice Group, a leading Boulder, Colo.-based marketing agency, and as chief marketing officer for Columbia Care, a major U.S. multistate cannabis operator. At Planet 13, Ison is poised to leverage his expertise in brand growth and consumer engagement to unlock new opportunities and accelerate the company's expansion.
"I'm truly excited to join the Planet 13 team to help propel the company into its next phase of growth,” Ison said. "With such a dynamic and diverse portfolio that includes 32 retail locations across four states, the Planet 13 Lifestyles e-commerce platform and brand, the entertainment complex, and a superb selection of award-winning cannabis brands—I see tremendous potential to drive innovation and build even greater momentum across every part of the business."
Ison’s unique combination of global marketing acumen and cannabis industry experience positions him to spearhead strategic initiatives that will elevate Planet 13's brand presence, expand its customer base, and capitalize on emerging market trends.
