A leader in experiential and field marketing strategy with a primary focus on the spirits industry, bringing more than 13 years of expertise delivering award-winning, immersive, impactful programs for some of the most well respected global spirits brands.
Most notable are Stoli Hotel, Jameson Bartenders Ball, Hendrick’s Voyages Into the Unusual, and The Balvenie Rare Craft Roadshow. Kristen began her career with Legacy Marketing Partners, spending more than four years on the Pernod Ricard account, managing and executing thousands of events across the country annually. These events ranged from high profile, celebrity-driven programs to sponsorship activations to locally developed on-premise initiatives.
In addition to ensuring the success of these programs, she led a team of field marketing managers responsible for driving on-premise growth and establishing key account relationships across the portfolio. Prior to establishing Ayatana XP, Kristen served as Director of On-Premise & Events at William Grant & Sons. In her seven-year tenure, she was responsible for the strategy, planning and execution of the entire Field Marketing program, from on-premise events to local Brand Ambassador initiatives to large-scale productions.
Upon starting in 2009, Kristen designed the industry-leading agency field structure and strategy that is still used today. She also managed the relationship, SOW, staff requirements, and retainer with one of the largest event agencies in the world. Through managing the annual planning process, she established herself as a subject matter expert in creating programs that increased brand equity and velocity while delivering cost efficiencies and a solid return on investment.
Brian is a skilled CPA with a specialization in advertising finance. Brian comes to us from Mirrorball, an award winning, creatively focused, experiential agency. He joined Ayatana in 2018, where he quickly established the processes that keep us organized, accountable, and known for flawless execution.
Prior to Mirrorball, Brian succeeded at IPG, where he was the CFO of various entities including the Sloan Group, Draft Montreal, and DL Blair. His experience crosses all lines of marketing, media and promotional advertising. Brian was also heavily involved in IPG mergers and acquisitions. Additionally, Brian brings us his unique knowledge of accounting for live performances and events.
Brian is also responsible for all aspects of our operations, including compliance, human resources, productivity and technology. He is the one who ensures it is all done legally and safely. You can rest assured because he is not
A leader in experiential and field marketing strategy with a primary focus on the spirits industry. It was only 2003 at Purdue University when Sean developed his first marketing promotion for the Boilermakers when he got a taste of the good life – experiential marketing! Rooted in field marketing and consumer activation, he quickly developed an affinity for strategic experiential engagement. But it would be an unknown job offer from a friend as a local bartender on-campus that launched him towards his career today. After a solid footing behind the bar, Sean progressed on to gain the necessary trade knowledge selling Diageo & Moët Hennessey brands. Transferring this commercial understanding over to the experiential marketing world, he launched brands for MillerCoors in the on & off-premise. A transition over to a very different client base – RJ Reynolds & Swedish Match, tested his creative thinking to still deliver impactful experiential among highly-regulated CPGs.
Sean’s client base expanded greatly as he shifted his agency focus to a national scale across various global suppliers, most notably Beam Suntory and Pernod Ricard USA; leading account & creative teams that provided innovative experiential within: on & off-premise, global travel retail, and commercial trade marketing in 40+ states and 75+ markets. As the Account Director at Ayatana XP, Sean serves as the head of client services managing multiple accounts within the spirits, beverage industry, and the FMCG industry.
Leveraging 17+ years of commercial and consumer-driven strategy, Sean leads teams that deliver impact & results for each client partner. Sean also enjoys the smell of the Caribbean seas, the sound palm trees swaying in a warm breeze, and an ice-cold tropical painkiller cocktail in hand!
As an Art Director at Ayatana XP, Sean brings conceptual insight and design execution through a variety of applications that bring brand experiences to life. He also is an experienced graphic designer who specializes in branding, visual identity, and illustration with a demonstrated history creating brand consumer engagements, secondary brand campaigns, packaging design, as well as advanced knowledge of digital and print production. A highly skilled artist, quick thinker and storyteller possessing great technical ability, developed through studies at The American Academy of Art in Chicago and 8+ years of agency experience working within the beer, spirits and wine industry.
Jennifer is a dynamic and results-oriented Field Marketing Manager with a passion for creating impactful brand experiences. With extensive event planning and brand activation expertise, she has successfully managed the logistics and planning of partnered retail demos, and on-premise events, ranging from conferences to sponsorships and festivals. Her efforts have significantly increased brand recognition and consumer trial for renowned brands in the CPG industry.
Throughout her career, she has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership and coordination in promotional events. She possesses a customer-centric mindset and is skilled at implementing B2C event marketing methods that raise brand awareness, build customer loyalty, and increase revenue. With outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, she excels in collaborating with clients, stakeholders, and cross-functional teams to deliver outstanding results.
She is driven, adaptable, and ready to contribute their strategic mindset and innovative ideas to Ayatana XP's field marketing endeavors. Her passion for creating authentic brand experiences and their ability to drive business growth makes her an invaluable asset to any organization in the field of the marketing industry.
As an Account Executive, Marissa manages client relations and helps produce experiential events. New to the spirits industry, yet accustomed to hard work, Marissa is a team player who thrives in our fast paced environment. When she's not sharing a laugh with her colleagues, you can find her reading a book on the beach, spending time with her family, or sipping on a glass of cabernet.
Meet Max, an Account Executive at Ayatana XP. With a background in marketing and a passion for building relationships, Max plays an essential role in supporting our clients' projects and ensuring that their needs are met. Max is always eager to collaborate and work closely with clients to ensure their goals are met and exceeded. With a positive attitude and a can-do spirit, he is a key member of our team. When he's not busy at work, you can find Max jamming out at a concert or music festival, enjoying the soothing sounds of his vinyl record player at home or seeking out the best restaurants and bars in the city.
