News

PPAI has announced the results of the recent member vote for its Board of Directors beginning in 2026 and confirmed the industry leaders who will hold offices next year. Incoming members will join in January following The PPAI Expo 2026. Likewise, certain existing Board members will either transition to new roles or complete their tenure on the Board.

Members voted to confirm the slate of nominees, made up of Whitestone founder and CEO Joseph Sommer and Bruce Barnet, COO of Charles River Apparel.

Additionally, the Board approved S&S Activewear CEO Frank Myers to fill a vacancy created when Dan Pantano announced his departure from alphabroder. S&S Activewear acquired alphabroder in 2024. Myers will serve the remainder of Pantano’s term, set to expire in 2027.

Also added to the Board is Samantha Kates, CEO of supplier Spector, who will serve as at-large director for two years.

New Officers Named

• Danny Rosin, CAS, co-owner of Brand Fuel, PPAI 100’s No. 29 distributor, will assume the role of Chair for 2026.
• Zack Ottenstein, president of The Image Group, PPAI 100’s No. 41 distributor, has been named Chair-Elect.
• Mark Gammon, who was just named to vice president of national accounts and buying groups of PCNA, PPAI 100’s No. 5 supplier, will support them as Vice Chair of Finance Services.

“I am deeply honored and humbled to serve our Association,” Ottenstein says. “During a challenging time for so many in our industry, PPAI’s advocacy and educational resources are more important than ever. I look forward to working with everyone to help our industry thrive.”         

During a challenging time for so many in our industry, PPAI’s advocacy and educational resources are more important than ever. I look forward to working with everyone to help our industry thrive.”         

Zack Ottenstein

President, The Image Group

The current Board Chair, Denise Taschereau, CEO of Fairware, will move into the role of Immediate Past Chair. Kara Keister, MAS, owner of distributor Social Good Promotions, will also continue in her role as Regional Relations Committee delegate.

These one-year board officer terms will begin immediately following The PPAI Expo 2026, which will run January 12-15.

Drew Holmgreen, PPAI’s president and CEO, took a moment to thank the four members who will be leaving the Board in January, noting that the commitment of time, leadership and expertise are key to making PPAI thrive in always changing business landscape.

“Volunteer leadership is more than just part of PPAI’s success,” says Holmgreen. “It’s the engine that drive us forward.

“We’re incredibly fortunate to have leaders who give their time, talent and passion to guide our community. Chris Anderson, Dan Pantano, Lori Bauer and Immediate Past Chair Andrew Spellman have each left a lasting mark on this industry and on me personally, and I’m deeply grateful for their service.”

I couldn’t be more excited to welcome Joseph Sommer, Bruce Barnett, Samantha Kates and Frank Myers to the Board.”

Drew Holmgreen

President & CEO, PPAI

New Faces Join The PPAI Board Of Directors

Members voted to approve PPAI’s slate of nominees last month, and the Board of Directors confirmed their appointments last week. Kates and Myers were placed by Board appointment.

The industry leaders joining the Board in January include:

• Joseph Sommer, founder and CEO of Whitestone – ranked the No. 34 distributor on the 2025 PPAI 100.

Joseph Sommer

Founder & CEO, Whitestone

Under his leadership, Whitestone has expanded through strategic acquisitions in the U.S. and Canada, achieved over 400% growth since 2020, and launched the RISE Initiative – an ambitious sustainability program that includes 1% for the Planet membership, EcoVadis certification, and science-based emissions reduction targets.

• Bruce Barnet, chief operating officer of Charles River Apparel, PPAI 100’s No. 39 supplier

Bruce Barnet

Chief Operating Officer, Charles River Apparel

Since joining Charles River Apparel 13 years ago – first as CFO and now as COO – Barnet has been instrumental in driving strategic growth, operational advancement and brand development.

During his tenure, the company has worked to streamline internal operations, expand its global supply chain, embrace sustainability, implement transformative technologies and develop a positive culture rooted in giving back through its social impact initiative, Charles River Cares.

• Samantha Kates, president of Quebec-headquartered Spector, PPAI 100’s No. 18 supplier 

Samantha Kates

President, Spector

Kates joins the Board to fill the slot vacated by Lori Bauer of iPROMOTEu, who had served in the Board’s at-large seat, a two-year appointment. Kates oversees sales, customer service, marketing and product development at Spector. A seasoned executive with a passion for driving transformation, building high-performing teams and elevating brand experiences, she oversees sales, customer service, marketing and product development.

With more than two decades in the promotional products industry, she has held senior leadership roles at suppliers, distributors and business platforms, including Charles River Apparel, iPROMOTEu and commonsku.

• Frank Myers, CEO of S&S Activewear, PPAI 100’s No. 2 supplier

Frank Myers

CEO, S&S Activewear

Myers will be filling the remained of term that was previously held by Dan Pantano of alphabroder, who is stepping away from the industry. Myers was promoted to CEO of S&S in 2022, having joined the company back in 2009. He has led the company through expansive growth, most recently its industry-shaping acquisition of alphabroder in late 2024.

According to Holmgreen, these four individuals combine to bring great experience and unique perspective to the PPAI Board of Directors.

“I couldn’t be more excited to welcome Joseph Sommer, Bruce Barnett, Samantha Kates and Frank Myers to the Board,” Holmgreen says. “They’ve already jumped right in, shaping our strategic planning and showing exactly why expectations of them are high.

“Their dedication proves that when passion meets purpose, it not only elevates merch, it brings real joy to the brands, businesses and communities we touch.”

Written By: Jonny Auping

Published with  Permission from PPAI

Dan Pantano, president and CEO of alphabroder, which was acquired by S&S Activewear in 2024, will be departing the company October 1. Pantano is currently a member of PPAI’s Board of Directors.

• Pantano led alphabroder through what would be one of promo’s largest and most industry-shaping acquisitions ever and helped S&S Activewear become PPAI 100’s No. 2 supplier.
• He also led the supplier through a number of acquisitions of its own during his nearly 13-year tenure, including Bodek & Rhodes and Ash City.
  

Dan’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping our growth journey.”

Frank Myers

CEO, S&S Activewear

“Dan’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping our growth journey,” says Frank Myers, CEO at S&S Activewear. “His vision, customer-first mindset and ability to build strong teams leave a lasting legacy. On behalf of all of us at S&S, we are grateful for his many contributions and wish him the very best in his next chapter.”

Pantano’s mission in the industry has often included a focus on a growing utilization of technology. He refers to “solution-selling” within the industry; the process of selling a solution to a client’s needs rather than simply a product.

• S&S Activewear credits him for having “championed initiatives that enhanced the customer experience, expanded product offerings and inspired employee engagement.”

Pantano joined the company in 2013 after spending 20 years working for prominent health care businesses.

Written by: Jonny Auping

Published with Permission from PPAI

Advertising Specialty Institute has announced that president and CEO Tim Andrews will retire from the company at the end of March after 23 years of leadership.

The Cohn family, owners of ASI, and Andrews have agreed on the transition timing and are working closely together to ensure a seamless process, the company says. The family has engaged Russell Reynolds Associates to lead the process of finding the next CEO for the ASI Family of Companies, which includes ASI, The ASI Show, ASI Canada, ASI Computer Systems and Print + Promo Marketing.

“Leading ASI for the past 23 years has been the honor of my professional life,” Andrews says. “I look forward to continuing to lead ASI, support our industry and ensure a smooth transition to the next leader.”

Leading ASI for the past 23 years has been the honor of my professional life.”

Tim Andrews

President/CEO, ASI

PPAI President and CEO Drew Holmgreen says Andrews has been a tremendous force in advancing the promotional merch industry.

“Tim has been gracious and welcoming as I’ve stepped into this industry, and I’ve valued the opportunities we’ve had to connect and collaborate in ways that elevate merch,” Holmgreen says. “While our organizations play different roles in the marketplace, I’ve always respected Tim’s commitment to innovation and his passion for the community we share. His leadership has brought real joy to the way our industry connects brands and people, and I wish him every success as he looks ahead to this next chapter.”

I’ve always respected Tim’s commitment to innovation and his passion for the community we share.”

Drew Holmgreen

PPAI President & CEO

‘Next Chapter’

Andrews has been the fifth president in ASI’s history, and each new president has built on the foundation of the past, according to Norman Cohn, chairman of ASI and an industry veteran of 75 years.

“Tim has been a great leader for ASI for more than two decades, and it’s important for everyone to know that he will continue leading the company until the next leader is onboarded,” Cohn says. “We’ll work hard to find the very best leader for the next chapter of ASI and the industry.”

We’ll work hard to find the very best leader for the next chapter of ASI and the industry.”

Norman Cohn

Chairman, ASI

ASI will continue under long-term Cohn family ownership, in its third generation of leadership, with members of the fourth generation now working at ASI. Over the past year, Matthew Cohn and Stephanie Cohn Schaeffer have led an extensive succession planning process, interviewing multiple firms and consulting with dozens of experts before selecting Russell Reynolds Associates.

“When we selected Tim to join ASI as president, we immediately knew that he would be a great leader and ideal partner for our family,” Matthew and Stephanie say. “We are excited to be looking for the next leader for ASI and know that they will help take ASI and the industry to exciting new heights in the years to come.”

Written by: John Corrigan

Published with Permission from PPAI

Polyconcept North America (PCNA), the leading supplier of promotional products, proudly announces the appointment of Mark Gammon as Vice President of National Accounts and Buying Groups. A respected leader in the promotional products industry, Gammon most recently served as CEO of Cap America, where he guided the company through significant growth and product innovation.

With more than 15 years of industry experience, including board service with PPAI since 2024, Gammon brings deep expertise in sales leadership and business development. At Cap America, he quickly advanced from Vice President of Sales to President and COO, before being named CEO in 2021. During his tenure, he oversaw the launch of new product lines, expanded into sporting goods, and positioned the company as a top supplier of team and promotional headwear.

“I am honored to contribute to PCNA’s leadership in the promotional market by delivering customer-centric solutions that drive growth and success,” said Gammon. “I’m passionate about the role promotional products play in brand recognition and engagement, and I look forward to applying my experience to further strengthen PCNA’s leadership in the industry.”

Prior to Cap America, Gammon spent eight years at The Vernon Company, where he built his foundation in sales management and client relationship development. His career-long commitment to the promotional products industry makes him an ideal fit for PCNA’s sales leadership team.

“We are thrilled to welcome Mark to the PCNA family,” said Neil Ringel, CEO of PCNA. “Mark knows this industry inside and out. His proven track record of growth, innovation, and leadership will drive even greater value for our distributor partners. He is truly an invaluable addition to our team, and his passion for building strong, customer-focused teams is exactly what we need to fuel our next phase of growth.”

At PCNA, Gammon will oversee the national account and buying group teams within the sales department. He succeeds Bill Peterson, who has served as Vice President of Sales since 2021.

PCNA and Cap America partnered in 2024 to expand PCNA’s headwear portfolio, a collaboration that highlighted shared values between the two companies. Cap America’s reputation for exceptional embroidery, product innovation, and community commitment mirrors PCNA’s values and ProudPath initiative, which champions sustainability and purpose-driven brands.

Gammon graduated summa cum laude from William Penn University and later earned a certificate in Disruptive Strategy from Harvard Business School, underscoring his commitment to continuous learning and leadership excellence.

MadeToOrder (PPAI 216503, Gold), PPAI 100’s No. 54 distributor, has announced the appointment of Brittany Frase, MAS, as chief revenue officer.

Frase joins the Oakland, California-based firm from HIRSCH, PPAI 100’s No. 23 supplier, where she served as vice president of sales and was instrumental in driving double-digit sales growth.

[Brittany’s] passion for building strong partnerships aligns perfectly with MTO’s mission of creating connected brand experiences.”

Sandy Gonzales

CEO, MadeToOrder

“Brittany’s track record of accelerating growth, combined with her passion for helping teams succeed, makes her an invaluable addition to our leadership team,” says Sandy Gonzalez, CEO of MadeToOrder.

RELATED: Brittany Frase, MAS: Navigating Promo Roadblocks

“Her experience on both the supplier and distributor sides gives her a rare comprehensive perspective, and her passion for building strong partnerships aligns perfectly with MTO’s mission of creating connected brand experiences.”

An 11-year veteran of the promotional products industry and a 2024 PPAI Rising Star, Frase will initially focus on meeting with MadeToOrder’s sales and support teams to assess strengths and opportunities.

Having admired the MTO team for years, I’m honored and thrilled for the chance to be a part of it.”

Brittany Frase, MAS

Chief Revenue Officer, MadeToOrder

She will then collaborate closely with e-commerce and marketing to align strategies and create new opportunities for clients, according to the employee-owned company.

“Having admired the MTO team for years, I’m honored and thrilled for the chance to be a part of it and contribute alongside such a talented group,” Frase says.

Written by: John Corrigan

Published with Permission from PPAI

HPG (PPAI 110772, Platinum), PPAI 100’s No. 4 supplier, has announced the expansion of its new Texas facility, located in Sunnyvale, about 20 minutes outside of Dallas. The Texas location was officially opened in July and already housed BEST Promotions USA, a subsidiary of HPG and a supplier known for its promotional can coolers and drinkware.

The expansion means that by the end of October two more HPG business divisions will move to the Sunnyvale facility:

• Origaudio, which was acquired by HPG in 2018 and had appeared on Shark Tank in 2011.
• HandStands, which was also acquired by HPG in 2018.

The relocation of these two divisions also portends the planned closure of HPG’s Salt Lake City-based production facility. The scale and capabilities of the Texas location will allow the supplier to consolidate.

• Impacted team members at the Salt Lake City facility have been offered support services, including transition assistance payments, and, in some cases, relocation opportunities to other HPG sites.

“This decision, as with any that impacts people’s livelihoods, was not made lightly,” says Chris Anderson, CEO of HPG. “HandStands was my entry point into the promotional products industry, and then HPG, following its 2018 acquisition of HandStands. I fondly remember my first day walking into HandStands, nearly 25 years ago, and am incredibly proud of all that the team has accomplished in that time, and the legacy of creativity, customer service and innovation that lives on today.

“By centralizing our production in Texas, we will gain new capabilities, reduce operating costs, provide a higher level of service and position ourselves for long-term growth in an increasingly competitive market.”

Chris Anderson

CEO, HPG

“However, by centralizing our production in Texas, we will gain new capabilities, reduce operating costs, provide a higher level of service and position ourselves for long-term growth in an increasingly competitive market.”

‘More Modern, More Centralized’

HPG’s Sunnyvale, Texas-based production facility is currently 135,000 square feet with room to expand up to 300,000 square feet. When PPAI President and CEO Drew Holmgreen attended a grand opening in late June, he remarked, “This new space reflects the kind of innovation and strategic vision that’s key to elevating merch across our industry.”

• The space consolidates key production capabilities under one roof, including screen printing, dye sublimation, laser engraving, sewing and fulfillment.
• It also features upgraded workflows, optimized floor layouts and advanced equipment investments.
• In addition, the facility includes an expanded administrative area with a collaborative customer service space, a showroom for product displays and a dedicated training room designed for hosting customers.

“Our elite Utah sales team and innovative product development team will remain the same before and after this transition, so customers can look forward to continuity with even more opportunity in a larger, more modern, more centralized Texas facility,” says Trina Bicknell, HPG’s chief revenue officer. “We are forever grateful for the Salt Lake City team for the business they helped us build and wish the ones that do not continue with us, a bright future ahead.”

Written by Jonny Auping

Published with Permission from PPAI

HALO (PPAI 106462, Platinum), PPAI 100’s No. 2 distributor, has announced that Jim Hilt has been named as the company’s new CEO. He will succeed Marc Simon, who is retiring after 25 years of leading the Sterling, Illinois-based firm.

• The transition will occur over the course of August and Hilt’s tenure as CEO will be effective September 2.
• Hilt comes to HALO from Asset Marketing Services, where he served as CEO for two and a half years. He was instrumental in the company’s sale to A-Mark Precious Metals.

“HALO is a strong, innovative company and a clear leader in the industry,” says Hilt. “That reputation is built on trusted partnerships with clients and suppliers, along with a commitment to creating amazing brand products and experiences that impact people every day.

I’m excited to join such a talented team, support our people-first sales approach and drive new opportunities for growth.”

Jim Hilt

Incoming CEO, HALO

“I’m excited to join such a talented team, support our people-first sales approach and drive new opportunities for growth.”

Hilt’s other leadership positions include stops at:

• Shutterfly
• Express
• Barnes & Noble
• Sears Holdings
• IBM

HALO Branded Solutions is a portfolio company of TPG. According to Scott Gilbertson, a partner at TPG, the decision to bring in Hilt following Simon’s retirement was made to ensure a new step was taken in the company’s development.

RELATED: HALO Receives ‘Capital Infusion’ Through Strategic Refinancing

“Jim is a proven leader with the vision, executional discipline and customer focus to build on HALO’s strong foundation,” says Gilbertson. “We are confident he will drive the next stage of growth and deliver even greater value for our clients, account executives and partners.”

‘Honor Of My Career’

Under Simon’s leadership, HALO grew to soaring heights, achieving more than $1 billion in annual sales. The firm has been a leader in the industry while following Simon’s guidance.

• HALO received 2025 PPAI 100 High Marks in Revenue, Growth, Professional Development, Responsibility, Innovation and Online Presence.

“Serving as CEO of HALO has been the honor of my career,” says Simon. “I’m proud of the growth we’ve achieved, the innovation we’ve embraced and the culture we’ve built. HALO is well positioned for continued success, with a talented leadership team and an extraordinary group of account executives and employees.”

Serving as CEO of HALO has been the honor of my career.”

Marc Simon

Outgoing CEO, HALO

Gilbertson expressed his gratitude for having Simon take HALO to the position that it now holds in the promo industry.

“We are fortunate to have been Marc’s partner, grateful for his exceptional leadership and deeply appreciative of his many years of dedicated service and lasting impact on HALO,” says Gilbertson.

Written by: Jonny Auping

Published with Permission from PPAI

Gildan Activewear (PPAI 250187, Platinum) will acquire Hanesbrands, which operates in the promotional products industry as Hanes (PPAI 191138, Gold), for $2.2 billion, the companies announced on Wednesday.

• Gildan is PPAI 100’s No. 7 supplier.
• Hanes is PPAI 100’s No. 57 supplier.

Glenn J. Chamandy, president and CEO of Gildan, said the transaction will double revenues and allow both companies to expand their portfolios beyond activewear and basic apparel. Including debt, the transaction values Hanesbrands at about $4.4 billion, The Wall Street Journal reported.

“Further, our state-of-the-art, low-cost, vertically integrated platform will be utilized to enhance efficiencies and drive additional innovation,” Chamandy says. “We’re excited for the next stage of growth and remain focused on supporting our customers and continuing to drive long term shareholder value.”

We’re excited for the next stage of growth and remain focused on supporting our customers and continuing to drive long term shareholder value.”

Glenn J. Chamandy

President/CEO, Gildan

Home Base

Gildan says that the acquisition will immediately add to its adjusted per-share earnings, and that the deal is expected to result in at least $200 million of annual run-rate cost synergies within three years of closing.

• Gildan added that it intends to initiate a review of strategic alternatives for Hanesbrands Australia, which could include a sale or other transaction.

Following the close of the deal, which is expected in late 2025 or early 2026, Gildan’s headquarters will continue to be located in Montreal and the combined company will maintain a strong presence in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, according to the press release.

“As part of Gildan, HanesBrands will benefit from an even stronger financial and operational foundation that will provide new growth opportunities, helping to power further innovation, a broader product offering and greater reach across channels and geographies,” says Bill Simon, chairman of Hanesbrands’ board of directors. “We’re confident that this transaction and the next chapter with Gildan is the right next step for HanesBrands and will honor and build on its long history for the benefit of all our stakeholders.”

As part of Gildan, HanesBrands will benefit from an even stronger financial and operational foundation that will provide new growth opportunities.”

Bill Simon

Chairman, Hanesbrands

Rocky Road

Hanesbrands suffered a $95.6 million dollar loss in 2023 and then sold its Champion brand to Authentic Brands Group in 2024. The sale was completed last October.

It has also been a tumultuous couple years for Gildan, which has dealt with internal strife that’s taken various shapes and included numerous sagas. Most recently, former board directors sued the Montreal-based apparel supplier for allegedly failing to pay them deferred compensation following their mass resignations last year.

Despite the trials and tribulations that both firms have experienced in recent years, the acquisition represents a massive merging of two of the most well-known apparel brands in the branded merchandise industry.

Common Acquaintance

Furthermore, the firms share a common acquaintance in promo, having inked exclusive partnerships with S&S Activewear, PPAI 100’s No. 2 supplier.

• Just last week, Gildan announced an agreement that grants exclusive wholesale distribution rights of its American Apparel brand in the U.S. market to S&S Activewear.
• Additionally, in Canadian markets, S&S Activewear will now be the exclusive wholesale distributor of Gildan’s portfolio of brands, including Gildan, Comfort Colors, American Apparel and Champion.
• Only two months earlier, HanesBrands announced an agreement that made S&S the exclusive supplier of the Hanes brand in the North American printwear channel.

Frank Myers, CEO of S&S Activewear, weighed in on Gildan’s acquisition of Hanes immediately following the announcement.

This combination brings together two companies that share our deep commitment to customers, backed by highly reliable supply chains and a strong focus on sustainability, quality and product innovation.”

Frank Myers

CEO, S&S Activewear

“This combination brings together two companies that share our deep commitment to customers, backed by highly reliable supply chains and a strong focus on sustainability, quality and product innovation,” Myers told PPAI Media. “Together, we’re confident it will create new opportunities for the market and enable us to drive the evolving needs of our industry.”

Toby Whitmoyer, chief commercial officer of S&S Activewear, added, “Gildan’s manufacturing excellence and Hanes’ retail brand power make for a compelling combination – one that will bring fresh ideas, enhanced products and new opportunities for growth.”

Written by: Jonny Auping & John Corrigan

Published with Permission from PPAI

PPAI has named the slate of candidates for its incoming Board of Directors class, due to serve the promotional products industry’s leading nonprofit trade association from January 2026 until 2030.

The two-person slate includes Joseph Sommer, founder and CEO of Whitestone – ranked the No. 34 distributor on the 2025 PPAI 100 – and Bruce Barnet, chief operating officer of Charles River Apparel, which is PPAI 100’s No. 39 supplier for 2025.

Sommer and Barnet were nominated to the slate following evaluation by the Leadership Advisory Committee, vetting by the Elected Directors Nominating Committee and ultimately, approval by the sitting PPAI Board of Directors. Each group consists of member volunteers.

The election to approve the slate begins August 25 and closes August 29. Each PPAI member company’s voting contact is eligible to cast an up-or-down vote for the candidates. Voting will be done electronically, and a new 2025 username and password will be emailed to the voting contacts when voting opens.

• A candidate must receive majority approval among votes cast to be named to the Board of Directors following The PPAI Expo 2026.
• The two board seats represent replacements for the expiring terms of Andrew Spellman, CAS, of Therabody; and Chris Anderson of HPG.

Also set to roll off the board in January is Lori Bauer of iPROMOTEu, who had served in the Board’s at-large seat, a two-year appointment.

To fill the slot, the Board has appointed Samantha Kates, president of Quebec-headquartered Spector. Her two-year term will begin in January 2026 and expire in January 2028. Spector ranked as the No. 18 supplier in the 2025 PPAI 100.

About Joseph Sommer

Joseph Sommer

Founder & CEO, Whitestone

Since launching the fully remote branded merchandise agency from his one-bedroom Manhattan apartment in 2013, Sommer has grown Whitestone into an award-winning global firm with more than 75 employees across four countries and a client roster that includes some of the world’s most influential brands.

Under his leadership, Whitestone has expanded through strategic acquisitions in the U.S. and Canada, achieved over 400% growth since 2020, and launched the RISE Initiative – an ambitious sustainability program that includes 1% for the Planet membership, EcoVadis certification, and science-based emissions reduction targets.

A “classic entrepreneur,” Sommer is no stranger to deep consideration of the industry among fellow leaders. His annual “meeting of the minds” in Las Vegas has become one of promo’s most anticipated gatherings for sharing experiences.

About Bruce Barnet

Bruce Barnet

Chief Operating Officer, Charles River Apparel

Since joining Charles River Apparel 13 years ago – first as CFO and now as COO – Barnet has been instrumental in driving strategic growth, operational advancement and brand development.

During his tenure, the company has worked to streamline internal operations, expand its global supply chain, embrace sustainability, implement transformative technologies and develop a positive culture rooted in giving back through its social impact initiative, Charles River Cares.

With more than 30 years of experience in financial and operational leadership, Barnet has held executive roles in both privately held and publicly traded companies across a variety of industries. He also founded and sold a supply chain business that served promotional products clients and branded merchandise buyers.

About Samantha Kates

Samantha Kates

President, Spector

Kates oversees sales, customer service, marketing and product development at Spector. A seasoned executive with a passion for driving transformation, building high-performing teams and elevating brand experiences, she oversees sales, customer service, marketing and product development.

With more than two decades in the promotional products industry, she has held senior leadership roles at suppliers, distributors and business platforms, including Charles River Apparel, iPROMOTEu and commonsku.

She joined Spector in 2022 as chief sales officer and was promoted to president in 2024.

The PPAI Board of Directors

Along with those directors whose terms are set to expire in January, the PPAI Board of Directors currently includes Regional Relations Committee delegate Kara Keister, MAS, of distributor Social Good Promotions, Dan Pantano of supplier S&S Activewear, Danny Rosin of distributor Brand Fuel, Erin Reilly of supplier Pop! Promos, Zack Ottenstein of distributor The Image Group, Kate Alavez of distributor PromoShop and supplier representative Mark Gammon. Denise Taschereau of distributor Fairware serves as Board Chair.

Written by: Josh Ellis

Published with Permission from PPAI

ePromos Promotional Products (PPAI 212648, Platinum), PPAI 100’s No. 27 distributor, has announced the appointment of Joel Satin as chief financial and operating officer.

Satin brings over two decades of experience in financial planning, operational strategy and commercial leadership within the consumer products and entertainment sectors.

“Joel’s deep expertise in financial operations, strategic execution and team leadership will be invaluable as we continue to expand and innovate,” says Marc Puglisi, CEO of ePromos. “We’re thrilled to welcome him to our leadership team.”

Joel’s deep expertise in financial operations, strategic execution and team leadership will be invaluable as we continue to expand and innovate.”

Marc Puglisi

CEO, ePromos

Satin’s Background

Satin has worked for well-known brands like WWE, the NBA and Eastman Kodak, where he drove a 170% increase in global retail sales and led the company’s brand licensing division to new heights.

• At WWE, he led financial planning and business analysis for core commercial divisions, including consumer products, live events and digital media.
• As founder of a consulting firm, he worked with his clients in partnership with global brands such as NBCUniversal, Mattel and Crayola.

“Joel is a proven leader with an impressive track record and a strong reputation for improving operating models, leading teams and driving business performance,” says Todd Bold, CRO at ePromos.

“Joel brings an incredibly diverse background from various industries to ePromos, which we believe will complement our existing teams as we innovate and move the business forward. We are confident Joel will be an excellent addition to our team, and we look forward to his knowledge and insights impacting our people and company.”

Written by: John Corrigan

Published with Permission from PPAI