Mike Cessario is the founder and CEO of Liquid Death Mountain Water, the irreverent canned-water brand that has shaken up the beverage industry with its punk rock aesthetic, dark humor, and commitment to sustainability. With a background in marketing, design, and the underground music scene, Cessario has built one of the most distinctive beverage brands in the world—proving that even water can be “cool.”
Before launching Liquid Death in 2019, Cessario honed his creative skills in advertising, serving as a director at Netflix and working with major agencies on campaigns across entertainment and consumer brands. His passion for skateboarding, music, and graphic design shaped the rebellious tone that would become Liquid Death’s signature style.
Under his leadership, Liquid Death has grown from a startup concept into a billion-dollar brand distributed in major retailers including Whole Foods, Target, and 7-Eleven. By blending humor, edgy branding, and environmental responsibility, Cessario has turned Liquid Death into more than just a water company—it’s a cultural phenomenon.
Cessario holds a BFA in Advertising from the ArtCenter College of Design, where he developed the creative foundation that continues to fuel his unconventional approach to business and branding.
