(Editor’s Note: PromoWire by PPAI Media is a running digest of updates from organizations around the promotional products industry. PPAI Media will consider newsworthy entries submitted by any member organization.)

February 29

Kirk Russell Joins St Regis Group As VP Of Sales

The St Regis Group (PPAI 230188, S6) has named Kirk Russell as its new vice president of sales for the U.S. Russell will be responsible for the leadership of the St Regis sales team, consolidating sales efforts and developing new business opportunities.

He brings 33 years of experience in key roles at several large suppliers to the role.

“I couldn’t be more excited to join the St Regis Group and have the opportunity to contribute to this impressive enterprise which continues to grow”, says Russell. “St Regis has a well-established seasoned sales team and I look forward to working with and leading this fantastic team to reach our highest potential.”

Merrick Falkenstein, CRO of the St Regis Group, adds. “We are extremely excited to welcome Kirk into the St Regis leadership team and have entrusted him to oversee all sales initiatives to support our existing relationships, develop new revenue streams and identify new growth opportunities.”

“Kirk has a strong winning attitude and personality, which are assets that will complement and enhance St Regis’s ability to meet the needs of our customers as we continue to provide quality, innovative products, and unmatched service to the promo marketplace.”

February 28

Andrea Westin And Brandy Mason Take On New Roles At Bob Lilly Promotions

Bob Lilly Promotions (PPAI 208474, D6) has recently elevated the roles and responsibilities of two of its key employees. Andrea Weston, formerly director of program operations, has been promoted to vice president of strategic partnerships, and Brandy Mason, formerly director of client services, has been promoted to vice president of sales operations.

  • Weston has spent more than two decades in the promotional product industry, and the past eight with BLP. Her expertise in new business development, especially with enterprise e-commerce platforms, has been instrumental in expanding the company's reach and capabilities.
  • In her new role, Westin will focus on strengthening supplier partnerships and leading internal branding and marketing initiatives.
  • With over 19 years of extensive experience in the industry and a decade at BLP, Mason has been an integral part of the company’s success and growth.
  • As VP of sales operations, she will drive the company’s sales operations, foster innovation and help shape the future direction of the company.
  • Founder Bob Lilly expressed his enthusiasm saying, “Andrea Weston's promotion is a significant milestone for Bob Lilly Promotions. Her expertise, passion and visionary leadership are exactly what we need as we embark on this next chapter. I am confident that Andrea will continue to make an indelible impact on our company and the industry at large.

“Brandy Mason is the epitome of leadership, dedication and innovation,” he adds. “Her remarkable journey with BLP is a source of inspiration to us all, and I have no doubt that she will excel in her new role and help propel our company to even greater success."

Cotton Heritage Announces New Distributor Partnerships

Cotton Heritage (PPAI 254025, S8) has inked new distribution partnerships with Carolina Made and One Stop as part of its overarching strategy to enhance brand awareness in the screen printing and promotional products markets.

  • Carolina Made is a 50-year-old distributor dedicated to quality, competitive price and exceptional service. One Stop is Michigan’s largest single-location wholesale supplier of blank apparel.

Greg Brown, VP of business development at Cotton Heritage, says, “Partnerships are critical in today’s challenging business conditions, and we are fortunate to have these two organizations representing Cotton Heritage. With brand awareness being so important, Carolina Made and One Stop provide a marketing and sales focus that will elevate the Cotton Heritage name.”

February 27

S&S Activewear Introduces 11 New Imperial Headwear Styles

Just in time for golf, pickleball and resort wear seasons, S&S Activewear (PPAI 256121, S12) – the No. 2 supplier in the 2023 PPAI 100 – has debuted 11 new styles from Imperial.

  • There’s something for everyone: a ladies’ cap, a bucket hat, two new rope caps crafted of recycled fabric in vibrant colors and original prints, and performance caps with the first-ever Merino wool sweatband. Its natural anti-odor and anti-microbial properties keep wearers comfortable in any weather.
  • These additions have expanded the Imperial line to more than 30 styles and 300-plus colors and patterns.