Industry updates
2026 Events
New Hires & Promos
Ryan Finnegan
Vantage Apparel
Vantage Apparel promoted Ryan Finnegan to national account manager. In his new role, Finnegan will serve several of Vantage’s most strategic partners, including AIM, iPromoteU, Reciprocity Road, The Partnering Group, and The Premier Group. Previously, Finnegan served as a regional account executive for Vantage’s Eastern region, where he was responsible for growing key distributor relationships. In this new role, Finnegan will help some of Vantage’s largest customers unlock new growth opportunities.
Bethany Nock
Avery Dennison
Avery Dennison announced the promotion of Bethany Nock to general manager, Graphics Solutions North America. She replaces Abby Monnot, who has moved to a new position within Avery Dennison Materials Group North America, as vice president of marketing for the Labels and Packaging Materials division. Nock will have responsibility for the Graphics North America business and will focus on driving top and bottom-line growth.
Jason Klein
JDS Industries
JDS Industries promoted Jason Klein to the dual role of chief financial officer (CFO) and chief operating officer. Klein has served as the company’s CFO for the past 12 years, playing a pivotal role in guiding JDS through a period of significant growth, innovation, and strategic evolution, the company announced in a press release. In his expanded role, Klein will continue to lead the company’s financial direction while also overseeing all operational functions.
Andy Filson & Kevin Duffy
Spartech
Spartech appointed Andy Filson as CEO and Kevin Duffy as executive vice president of sales and marketing. Filson succeeds Terry Sutter, who has served as interim CEO and will continue as a member of Spartech’s board of directors. Most recently, Filson served as president and chief operating officer of CoorsTek, where he led large-scale transformations across operations, quality, safety, and portfolio strategy. Prior to joining Spartech, Duffy held positions of increasing responsibility with PLASKOLITE, VYCOM, Eastman, and Rehrig Pacific Company.
Josep Maria Morralla Mercadé
STAHLS’
STAHLS’ announced the appointment of Josep Maria Morralla Mercadé as managing director of STAHLS’ TPT, the company’s Spain-based apparel decoration and licensing operation. Mercadé has more than 20 years of international executive leadership across Europe and LATAM. Mercadé will focus on accelerating STAHLS’ TPT growth in key categories, including sports, licensed merchandise, and workwear, strengthening its position as a trusted production and innovation partner for leading clubs, retailers, and apparel brands.
Jane Smith
Imperial
Imperial appointed Jane Smith as vice president of marketing. Smith brings more than 25 years of global marketing leadership across digital transformation, omni-channel strategy, and brand growth. She joins Imperial from Wolverine Worldwide, where she most recently served as vice president of marketing and digital media for Merrell and Chaco. At Imperial, Smith will lead global marketing strategy with a focus on brand positioning, digital acceleration, and consumer engagement as the company continues to grow across golf, lifestyle, and corporate channels.
Giving back
Ninja Transfers is committing over $1 million to youth education, arts and culture programs, and nonprofit organizations dedicated. The company’s partners include St. Jude’s Hospital, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Foundation, The Franklin Institute, and more.
Infinity Her is continuing its partnership with Beautiful Lives Thrift Boutique for the Caps that Care initiative. Each quarter, Infinity Her donates women’s caps, knit beanies, and bags to sell at the nonprofit’s storefronts.
Koozie Group has welcomed a second sponsored litter of puppies with 4 Paws for Ability and demonstrated continued support through a $10,000 donation. This brings Koozie Group’s total contributions to more than $64,000 since 2022.
Gemline donated more than 700 blankets to Lazarus House, helping to keep members of the Lawrence, Massachusetts, community warm.
Updates
Vantage Apparel launched Swagee, a webstore platform designed exclusively for distributors.
World Emblem announced the opening of its new 72,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Houston. More than 150 employees are working at the Houston factory to start, including 50 jobs reshored from Asia, with plans to add up to 100 additional staff.
Mimaki received 3M MCS warranty approval for its UCJV330 series and UV-curable inks.
Webinars
Awards & recognitions
Roland DG’s TY-300 direct-to-film printer has earned a BLI 2026 Pick Award from Keypoint Intelligence, a global independent research organization that tests and evaluates print and imaging technology.
Minuteman Press International has been awarded the 2026 No. 1 printing and marketing franchise ranking by Entrepreneur Magazine.
Partnerships
Gemline announced a new partnership with BOSKA Food Tools, a Dutch heritage brand known for cooking tools.
Ninja Transfers has been named the official T-shirt transfer of the Philadelphia 76ers.
LogoJET expanding access to select blank media products through its website as part of a new partnership with TruFlat.
Atlantis Headwear is now an official partner of TEDx Venice. Atlantis hosted a beach clean-up and unveiled a limited-edition TEDx Venice beanie created exclusively for the partnership.
Vantage Apparel announced the addition of top-selling styles from Lane Seven Apparel to its product lineup.
Flexfit collaborated with former MMA fighter Robbie Lawler and MAG Agency to create a line of headwear with a stripped-back look that is said to “reflect what it means to stay great.”
