(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.)

December 31

William S. Simon Becomes Chairman Of The HanesBrands Board Of Directors

HanesBrands (PPAI 191138, S10) – which operates in the promotional products industry as suppliers Hanes, Champion, ComfortWash and Alternative Apparel – has appointed William S. Simon to serve as chairman of the Board, effective December 31, 2023. His appointment follows Ronald L. Nelson’s decision to retire as Chairman and a member of the Board at the end of the year.

Simon brings extensive senior leadership skills and deep experience as a public company director at other consumer-facing companies to the role.

  • He has been a director at the Company since 2021 and has previously served on the Talent and Compensation Committee and the Governance and Nominating Committee.
  • He is Executive Advisor to the KKR & Co. investment firm and President of WSS Venture Holdings, LLC, a consulting and investment company
  • Previously, he served as president and CEO of Walmart U.S.

Cheryl K. Beebe and Ann E. Ziegler also retired as members of the board on December 31. These changes follow the appointment of three new independent directors, Colin Browne, Natasha Chand and John Mehas, in November and align with the company’s previously announced intent to return the board to 10 members.

“HanesBrands has been fortunate to benefit from the strategic leadership, operational expertise and financial acumen that Ron, Cheryl and Ann each brought to the Board,” says Steve Bratspies, CEO and director. “They have made significant contributions to the company throughout their years of service. They served as valuable partners to me and our leadership team as we have developed and executed a strategy to capitalize on HanesBrands’ growth opportunities, simplify our global business and best position our brands for success in an evolving consumer environment.

“I look forward to working with Bill in his new role as chairman as we accelerate and continue to advance our strategic initiatives.”

December 29

American Solutions For Business Achieves A Milestone With PeopleSoft Update

American Solutions for Business (PPAI 101656, D12) – the No. 9 leading distributor in the 2023 PPAI 100 – has successfully completed a transformative PeopleSoft update, marking a crucial step forward in the Minnesota-based company’s tech strategy and vision for the future.

  • This strategic move reflects its commitment to evolving alongside industry technology, creating a stable and well-designed technical environment.
  • With a team of 29 testers and more than 1,800 test case scenarios, the testing process was intensive.

Looking ahead, ASB emphasizes ongoing support, with a dedicated team available to guide users through the transition and familiarization process, leveraging user feedback and effective communication to ensure a seamless experience for all PS 9.2 users

“Like the foundation of a house, our system can now support the structure we have planned for the future,” says VP of Operations Miriah Cassidy. “ASB is anxious to now build on that foundation and offer solutions for our sales team, home office, vendor partners and customers.”