ASI's Counselor Periodical Unveils Impressive 2018 Power 50 Lineup

Counselor Magazine Releases 2018 Power 50 List

The promotional products industry has seen a significant shake-up, as Counselor magazine, the most authoritative trade publication in the $23.6 billion industry, has released its 2018 Power 50 list. This prestigious list recognises the 50 most influential business leaders in the sector, and this year, it includes 15 newcomers, seven of whom are women.

The Power 50 leaders are selected through a meticulous process that involves surveys of the industry, reviews of company financials, input from last year's Power 50, and an influential panel. The annual rankings aim to highlight the industry's trailblazers, those who are driving change and posting impressive financial gains.

This year, HALO Branded Solutions, a Sterling, IL-based company with 1,300 employees, has taken the top spot. Marc Simon, CEO of HALO Branded Solutions, has been named the number one most influential business leader in the industry. The company's North American promotional products sales in 2017 amounted to $416.4 million, a 47.5% increase over the previous year. This significant growth can be attributed to a series of mergers and acquisitions HALO Branded Solutions underwent in 2017 and 2018. As a result, the company has become the third-largest distributor in the industry.

Timothy M. Andrews, ASI's president and chief executive officer, praised the Power 50 list recipients, stating they are "navigating tremendous change and withstanding powerful forces reverberating throughout the marketplace while posting financial gains that are truly impressive."

The high-ranking executives on the 2018 Power 50 list were recognised at a celebratory dinner during the 12th annual ASI Power Summit, which was held October 14-16, at the JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa in Tucson, AZ. The event featured industry experts and keynote speakers, including Jesse Itzler, co-founder of Marquis Jet and former partner in Zico coconut water.

The 2018 Power 50 list includes some familiar faces, but also some new ones. Among the newcomers are Ben Lovelace (President and CEO, The Collins Group), Lizette Williams (Chief Marketing Officer, Edelman), Whitney Lowe (Partner, Lowes Communications), Katherine Eban (Senior Editor, Vanity Fair), Johanna Fernandez (Founder, JFFPR), Amy Droppleman (President, 3 Media Web), Erin Naughton (Global Chief Marketing Officer, SAP), Shannon Stratton (Executive Director, Museum of Arts and Design), and Mikaela Osborn (Communications Director, Lyft).

Interestingly, only 1% of the Power 50 leaders expect to retire in the next three years, and a staggering 90% plan to add employees in 2018. This indicates a continued growth and development within the industry, with these leaders showing no signs of slowing down.

The November online and print editions of Counselor magazine will feature more about the Power 50, providing readers with a comprehensive look at the individuals shaping the promotional products industry.