AIA Corporation, Appleton, Wis., announced today that it’s board of directors has selected Nancy Schmidt as the company’s new CEO. Schmidt, a two-year veteran of AIA who most recently served as chief financial officer, is the first female CEO in AIA history.
“During her tenure, Nancy has been ingrained in every aspect of AIA’s business and is the architect behind the organization’s strong financial teams and infrastructure,” AIA board of directors member John Rompon said in a press release. “Her contributions thus far have enabled AIA to keep pace in—and stay ahead of—this rapidly changing industry, and I have no doubt as CEO she will successfully lead and support the resilience and growth of the AIA community.”
As Schmidt steps into the role of CEO, her focus will be driving the company’s strategic plans, executing future growth of the company and its distributors, implementing marketing and sales programs to assist distributor growth, and more. Her background as CFO, which required close professional relationships with the company’s marketing, operations, sales, owner success and technology teams, will assist her in her new role as she develops growth strategies, analyzes financial aspects of the company and leads the teams she previously worked hand-in-hand with.
“I’m honored and thrilled to lead AIA and usher in a season of resilience, stability and, ultimately, growth,” Schmidt said. “I remain focused on helping our owners build efficient and profitable business, and on continuing our team-driven leadership model to provide a strong infrastructure to execute the services the AIA community values most.”
AIA has had a busy 2020 so far, having added two business development managers and three distributorships, and hosting its second-annual Supplier Summit.
Schmidt will succeed Matt Gresge, who is leaving AIA after three and a half years to pursue a new leadership opportunity. Under Gresge, AIA upgraded technology, modernized marketing programs and opened its Appleton headquarters.
“We thank Matt for his contributions to AIA,” said Rompon. “He worked tirelessly to transform this organization and reestablish its leadership position in the promotional products industry.”
For more information on AIA Corporation, visit www.aiacommunity.com.
