Alpi International (PPAI 11221, Silver) has promoted Marco Indrio to president effective January 2.

Indrio has been with the company since 2017 and has played a key role in its growth over the past nine years. He previously worked in Alpi’s warehouse before moving into leadership roles.

Founder Francesco Indrio will continue as CEO while Becky Indrio will retain her role as CFO.

“I look forward to continuing the charge forward with more product lines, expanded tech offerings and our steadfast commitment to customer service,” Marco Indrio says.

Supplier The Kanata Group (PPAI 111063, Silver) has appointed Katrina Derksen as vice president of strategic partnerships.

Formerly of Promotional Products Professionals of Canada, Derksen brings experience as a membership and events professional, with a background in member recruitment, retention and engagement. She also has an established network of North American relationships within the promotional products industry.

“Katrina will be an integral part in helping us continue to build and strengthen our distributor network in both the U.S. and Canada,” says Senior VP of Sales Joe Huber, citing her skillset and industry relationships.

PPAI 100 distributor Proforma (PPAI 196835, Platinum) recently hosted its annual holiday parties at its support centers in Tampa and Cleveland, pairing seasonal celebrations with community giving.

Support center team members fulfilled holiday wish lists for children served by Providence House in Cleveland and Joshua House in Tampa. The company has partnered with both organizations for several years to support children facing crisis situations.

By the end of the events, all wish lists had been completed. The gatherings also included shared meals, themed games and raffle prizes, bringing employees together to celebrate the season while supporting local communities.

“Proforma’s annual holiday wish list drives reflect the generosity and values at the heart of our Network,” says Tim Nale, chief brand officer at Proforma. “Each year, we look forward to bringing the Proforma Family together to celebrate the season while making the holidays a bit brighter for children in our communities.”

Supplier Peerless Umbrella (PPAI 112666, Gold) has promoted Katie Kailik to director of sales.

Kailik has been with the company for four years and has played a key role in growth efforts, particularly within national accounts and buying groups, focusing on business development and long-term partnerships.

In her new role, Kailik will work with the sales organization to support territory growth, deepen customer relationships and help sales partners add value to their accounts.

“Katie has proven she understands what it takes to succeed in today’s selling environment,” says Dan Edge, Peerless Umbrella president. “Her ability to balance strategy, execution, and relationship-building makes her an ideal leader to help take Peerless Umbrella to the next level.”

PPAI 100 supplier PCNA (PPAI 113079, Platinum) has partnered with Libbey Glass to expand its premium glassware offerings.

The new assortment adds U.S.-made glassware to PCNA’s drinkware lineup, including pint glasses, beer mugs, rocks glasses, wine glasses and glass water bottles. Founded in 1818, Libbey is known for durable and versatile glassware designed for everyday use and special occasions.

“An American brand with products made in the USA, Libbey delivers classic, versatile glassware with the quality and durability clients expect,” says Liz Haesler, global chief merchandising officer at PCNA. “We’re proud to offer Libbey through PCNA, providing distributors with a wide assortment of timeless glassware, from the Old Fashioned Glass to the Glass Beer Mug. Our focus remains on expanding our drinkware portfolio to meet the diverse needs of our distributor partners.”

The Libbey collection is now available through PCNA in the U.S. and Canada.

Multi-line rep agencies Hareid Marketing and RJ Filut & Associates have rebranded under a single name: Greater Northstar Sales powered by Hareid Marketing Inc. and RJ Filut & Associates.

The Minnesota-based agencies partnered in April 2023 and will continue to be jointly managed by co-owners Scott Hareid and Brett Filut.

“When Brett and I partnered in 2023, it was clear right away that our agencies fit together naturally,” Hareid says. “We’re proud of what we’ve built so far and even more energized about where we’re going.”

Filut says, “From the beginning of our partnership we knew we were building something strong together. This rebrand puts a clear identity around our shared vision.”

PPAI 100 supplier Raining Rose (PPAI 232508, Silver) has hired Ryan Greenzweig as director of promotional sales and marketing.

Greenzweig brings more than 20 years of experience in the technology and communications industries, including time with UScellular Business. In his new role, he will lead strategic sales initiatives, enhance brand visibility and drive growth across the company’s promotional product lines.

“Ryan brings an impressive track record of building and leading high-performing teams. He is a people-first leader with tremendous energy, and we’re excited to see how his experience and vision help guide our company into the future,” says Chief Sales Officer Nate Robson.

PPAI 100 supplier Hirsch (PPAI 221823, Platinum) has named Jason Cottle vice president of sales, adding to its executive leadership team.

Cottle brings more than 20 years of executive sales experience in beverage distribution, including senior roles with wine and spirits distributors where he led growth initiatives.

“With his proven track record in driving revenue growth & building high-performance teams, Jason will play a critical role as we continue to scale & deliver exceptional value to our customers,” says Paul Hirsch, CEO.

PPAI 100 supplier Storm Creek (PPAI 438091, Gold) has promoted Tom Clouser, MAS, to director of sales effective immediately.

In his new role, Clouser will lead the company’s sales efforts within the promotional products industry, overseeing growth strategy and day-to-day sales operations while continuing to manage select key accounts. The promotion follows a 2025 sales team expansion that added six sales professionals.

Clouser brings 28 years of experience in the promotional products industry, having worked on both the distributor and supplier sides and led sales teams.

“I’m incredibly excited to continue growing with Storm Creek and to step into this new role,” Clouser says. “This is a special company with an amazing team, and I’m honored to help lead our sales organization forward. I’m looking forward to elevating our partnerships, supporting our team’s success, and building on the strong momentum as we head into 2026.”

Headwear supplier Imperial has acquired Winston Collection in an asset purchase that expands its premium golf accessories portfolio.

Winston Collection will continue operating under its existing name, with its management team and operations remaining in place. Founded in 2006, the brand is known for premium headcovers, towels and leather goods serving the green grass golf market, with many products made in the USA.

The acquisition strengthens Imperial’s presence in the green grass channel and marks its third strategic transaction since 2022 under the ownership of private equity firm CPC, following Pukka and J.T. Spencer acquisitions.

Manitoba-based supplier Botanical PaperWorks (PPAI 674278, Standard Base) has transitioned to new ownership following the sale of the company by founder and CEO Heidi Reimer-Epp.

Winnipeg-based Kyle and Kayla Kannwischer are the new owners of the 30-year-old seed paper company.

“Finding the right buyer for Botanical PaperWorks took the better part of a year and involved careful consideration of several offers,” says Reimer-Epp. “This company has been my life’s work, and I wanted to ensure the new owners shared my personal and the company’s values along with the ‘business-for-good’ approach that has been the hallmark of Botanical PaperWorks since its inception.”

Reimer-Epp retains an investment stake and will remain on contract as a consultant through 2026 to support the transition.

Kyle Kannwischer will serve as CEO and oversee day-to-day operations. The company’s staff, vendors and B Corporation certification will remain unchanged, it announced.

“I am excited to continue to create exceptional products that have a meaningful environmental and social impact,” Kyle Kannwischer says. “I’m looking forward to working with the team to continue to create new, high-quality products as a leader in the emerging sustainability sector. I love a challenge, and it will be fun to see what more we can accomplish through continuous improvement and innovation.”

Texas-headquartered distributor Brandability (PPAI 103129, Silver) has promoted Steve Smothers to chief creative officer following its acquisition of digital marketing firm Speedsquare.

The move supports Brandability’s expansion into full-service branding and digital marketing. Speedsquare was co-founded by Smothers and represents Brandability’s second strategic acquisition in two years.

As chief creative officer, Smothers will lead creative strategy across brand storytelling, visual identity and campaigns while integrating digital marketing capabilities into the company’s broader offerings.

“Steve has been instrumental in advancing our creative capabilities – both at Brandability and through the vision he helped build at Speedsquare. This promotion, alongside our acquisition of Speedsquare, reflects our commitment to delivering more connected, strategic and effective brand solutions for our clients,” says CEO Matthew Lamb.

PPAI 100 supplier HPG (PPAI 110772, Platinum) has promoted longtime sales leaders Alex Symms and Mel Bettua to vice president of sales positions.

Bettua, a 15-year veteran of HPG, has been named vice president of sales, East, while Symms will serve as vice president of sales, West. He joined the company three years ago. Both bring more than a decade of experience in the promotional products industry.

In their new roles, they will oversee regional sales strategies, support distributor partners and help advance HPG’s customer-first approach.

“Mel and Alex exemplify HPG’s values through their leadership, strategic vision and commitment to our teams and customers,” says CRO Trina Bicknell. “I am confident they will continue to elevate our sales organization and drive sustained growth across their respective regions and brands.”

PPAI 100 supplier SnugZ USA (PPAI 112982, Platinum) has announced an exclusive partnership with retail brand Nomatic.

Through the agreement, SnugZ will offer a curated collection of Nomatic’s customizable bags, backpacks and travel accessories to the promotional products market. Nomatic is known for functional and durable gear designed for business, travel and everyday use.

The partnership supports growing demand for premium, on-trend products that blend performance and design. Nomatic products will be available on the SnugZ website later this month.

“I’ve been a longtime admirer of Nomatic from a retail perspective,” says Brittany David, chief revenue officer at SnugZ. “Their craftsmanship, attention to detail, and elevated quality truly set the brand apart. I’m thrilled to help extend that same sense of luxury into the promotional space and introduce Nomatic to an even wider audience.”

PPAI 100 food supplier NC Custom (PPAI 111662, Silver) has acquired Confection360, expanding its manufacturing capabilities and bringing high-definition etched chocolate production in house.

The acquisition supports the launch of a new product collection in January 2026 and builds on NC Custom’s print-on-demand food offerings, including its Digital Print Chocolate Collection introduced during the 2025 holiday season. Confection360 pioneered high-speed chocolate etching for mass production.

The move enables faster turnaround times, flexible order sizes and expanded packaging options. NC Custom plans to debut the new etched chocolate collection at The PPAI Expo 2026, Booth 5481, next week.

“Bringing etching capabilities in-house is a logical and exciting next step,” says David Miller, president of NC Custom. “Our customers rely on us to deliver not just a product, but a turnkey promotional solution – now with more premium formats, the same reliability and even faster speed.

“We will also be expanding the etched food products in the future – stay tuned!”

Midwest-area Proforma franchise Proforma Printhouse (PPAI 186760, Standard Base) has acquired On Purpose Branding, marking its fifth acquisition in five years. The business will operate as Proforma On Purpose Branding.

The deal brings together two family-owned companies and expands Proforma Printhouse’s presence in the greater Kalamazoo area. On Purpose Branding owner Dan Hartlieb will remain involved during the integration process.

“This merger enables us to serve all of our customers with an expanded range of products and services,” says Rielly Troyer, co-owner of Proforma Printhouse. “We are excited about the opportunities ahead and the future we are building together.”

Proforma Printhouse was named to the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies in 2025.