Founder and CEO

Brendan Kennedy is an entrepreneur and investor recognized for building transformative companies across emerging industries. He is the founder of Cavendish Privateers (2021) and MONT y MER, ventures that reflect his continued vision for innovation and global impact.

Previously, Brendan co-founded Tilray in 2013, serving as President and Chief Executive Officer until 2021 and as Chairman of the Board from 2018 to 2021. Under his leadership, Tilray became the first cannabis company to go public on a major U.S. stock exchange, establishing itself as a global pioneer. He also served as Executive Chairman and Board Member of Privateer Holdings, a private equity firm that shaped the future of the legal cannabis industry through portfolio companies including Tilray, Leafly, and a family of leading cannabis brands.

Before his work in cannabis, Brendan was Chief Operating Officer at Silicon Valley Bank Analytics. He holds a BA from the University of California, Berkeley, an MS in Engineering from the University of Washington, and an MBA from the Yale School of Management.

A six-time Ironman triathlete, Brendan brings the same discipline and passion for endurance sports to his professional life, balancing business leadership with a lifelong commitment to fitness.

Founder

Maria brings decades of experience in leadership and elite performance to MONT y MER. Her background as a professional athlete and wellness advocate informs the company’s mission to help people to live healthier, more active lives. 

Prior to co-founding MONT y MER, Maria was a principal ballerina with Pacific Northwest Ballet.  Her career included international appearances across North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia. Maria was a ballerina recognized for her precision, versatility, and mastery of diverse repertoire ranging from Balanchine’s neoclassical works to contemporary world premieres and full-length classics such as Swan Lake. Maria enjoyed working with world-class choreographers such as Christopher Wheeldon, David Dawson, William Forsythe, Twyla Tharp, Crystal Pite and many more. After retiring from a celebrated two-decade career, she sought a workout that could replicate the intensity she experienced as a professional athlete. In 2018, she discovered the Katalyst EMS training system and immediately realized its potential to enhance strength, endurance, and recovery for people at every fitness level.

Maria was instrumental in the company’s 2025 acquisition of Katalyst, the U.S. leader in at-home electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) training. As an early adopter and passionate advocate for Katalyst, Maria brings a holistic approach to strength, endurance, and injury prevention to the Katalyst team.

In addition to her professional dance career, Maria has co-founded an organization to support career transitions for retiring dancers, staged productions, and served as a teacher and mentor to dance students of all ages. 

Maria shares her passion for health and wellness with her family. She continues to train with Katalyst, explore new approaches to wellness, and inspire others to embrace the power of movement.

COO

Jon Levin is a seasoned executive with more than 25 years of leadership experience across beauty, health, consumer packaged goods, confectionery, and sporting goods. Most recently, he served as Chief Operating Officer at Tilray, where he played a key role in scaling the company’s global operations in the cannabis industry.

Prior to Tilray, Levin was General Manager of U.S. Mass Markets at Revlon, overseeing the company’s consumer product portfolio sold through major national retailers during a time of significant market transformation. Earlier in his career, he was Executive Vice President of Sales at Ferrara Candy Company and held senior sales leadership positions with Nautilus, Wrigley, and Acosta, building a track record of driving growth and managing large-scale operations across diverse industries.

Levin holds a B.S. in Economics from Portland State University and completed an Executive Management program at Cornell University.

Operations Manager

Jason began his career in the United States Army Special Operations community and as a Sniper Team Leader, with multiple deployments in support of The Global War on Terror.

Following his military service, Jason spent more than seven years on contract for the U.S. Department of State Diplomatic Security Service’s High Threat Protection Division, serving on the U.S. Ambassador to Iraq’s Personal Protection Detail in Baghdad. Since transitioning to the private sector, he has led security operations for celebrity, ultra-high-net-worth, and corporate clients, providing protective services in more than 40 countries worldwide.

In addition to his security expertise, Jason is a licensed commercial pilot, accomplished skydiver and BASE jumper, PADI-certified scuba diver, and a nationally registered Emergency Medical Technician—bringing a unique blend of operational skills, crisis management capability, and global experience to any engagement.

Outside of his professional life, Jason is devoted to his wife and daughter who remain his greatest source of motivation.

Vice President of Business Development

Patrick O’Brien serves as Vice President of Business Development. At MONT y MER, Patrick brings extensive experience across sales, strategy, and operations in industries ranging from consumer goods to technology. He began his career as an Investment Banking Analyst at William Blair before holding progressive leadership roles at Ferrara Candy. Patrick went on to lead the Amazon team at SteelSeries, drive growth as Vice President of Business Development at Revlon, and shape strategy and operations as Chief Operations Officer at Xkit.com and Chief Strategy Officer at Brickstone Brewery. 

Patrick and his wife, Bridget, both attended the University of Notre Dame and live in the Twin Cities with their three children. Outside of his professional endeavors, Patrick serves on the boards of the Butler Family Foundation and Bishop McNamara Catholic School. He is an Ironman triathlete and enjoys running, boxing, and basketball.