PHOENIX – Industry veteran Michael Merrill has joined PHS International as partner and co-owner. Merrill began his industry career as creative director for the company more than 10 years ago and as its new co-owner will develop PHS’s signature product lines while introducing new brands with niche appeal.

Noted for its roots in Pride and marketing to gay men, PHS International has maintained a strong presence in the LGBTQ community while bridging the gender gap with product lines that appeal to targeted markets. Merrill’s earliest contribution to PHS — the gay line M2M, which debuted in 2006 — was the first product to feature gay couples on its packaging.

From M2M, PHS expanded its catalog to include merchandised and packaged brands made to appeal to a variety of markets, including heterosexual couples curious about BDSM and consumers seeking vegan and animal-friendly alternatives to leather gear.

In his new role, Merrill will combine his creative spirit and relationship skills to widen the company’s customer base while bringing a fresh perspective to the company’s core brands, which include M2M, Heart2Heart BDSM accessories for heterosexual couples, Fresh! colorful vegan gear and vibes, Ka-Pow Color! leather gear, and Bijoux de Nip nipple clamps and adornment. Most recently, the debut of Bijoux de Nip decorative nipple pasties introduced a fresh interpretation of a classic product category appreciated by men and women for decades.

“We could not be more excited about Michael’s return,” PHS Chief Executive Officer Chuck Harnish said. “We feel he is the future of PHS, and his coming aboard as an owner-operator will ensure PHS has a long-lasting and powerful presence in the industry.

“Michael’s passion for the adult industry, his innovative mind and charismatic personality make him an incredible asset,” Harnish continued. “It was important to us to have someone like Michael in place to ensure our company’s long-term success.”

Merrill’s current title, general manager, will enable him to concentrate on sales and marketing development while he becomes acquainted with the operational aspects of the company. A key focus will be maintaining and expanding strong personal relationships with key players in the industry while updating and modernizing existing lines according to current market trends.

“PHS International was my very first ‘home’ in the adult industry, and some of my fondest memories come from working with Chuck and Jim to create concepts that truly had never been seen before,” Merrill said. “Throughout my career, I’ve successfully brought a mainstream-friendly perspective and fresh visual eye to adult product lines, and the opportunity to come back to PHS as part owner and operator is a dream come true.

“I’m already loving getting my hands dirty with the day-to-day operations, and it’s an honor to have a true hands-on role at the company I can once again call home,” he added.

Merrill may be contacted by email.