Kraig Knudsen is a 38-year Tobacco Industry Veteran. He spent the first 21 years of his career at RJ Reynolds where he performed numerous sales and management functions. After leaving Reynolds, Kraig spent the next 4 years consulting on tobacco related issues for retail, wholesale, manufacturing, and government clients. He then switched sides of the desk and went from being a seller, to a buyer of tobacco products. This move into Category Management gave him valuable experience and offered him a unique 360o view of the tobacco industry.
Kraig is currently the Tobacco Category Manager for the Circle K – Heartland Division. He is the Team Lead for tobacco merchandising in 5,800 retail locations. He is a representative on Circle K AVC, FDA compliance and North American Cannabis committees. Kraig has presented at several industry functions and is frequently approached by manufacturers for opinions on products and trade programs. He is the 2018 & 2020 Winsight Media CSP Category Manager of the Year for Cigarettes and Tobacco Products.
Kraig enjoys spending his personal time with his wife Terri, their two children and two grandchildren.