Counselor Top 40 supplier Spector & Co. (asi/88660) has named Alan Meinstein chief executive officer and promoted Samantha Kates to company president.
Rob Spector, previously president and with the company for more than 30 years, has become chairman of the Canada-based hard goods supplier. He’ll provide strategic guidance to the firm, executives said.
“I’m honored to step into the role of CEO and continue the incredible work Rob and the team have built over the past three decades,” said Meinstein. “I look forward to working with Samantha as we guide Spector & Co. through the next phase of growth.”
Meinstein had been chief operating officer at Spector since June. Kates, who has more than 25 years of industry experience, had been Spector’s chief sales officer for nearly three years prior to this promotion to president.
As CEO, Meinstein will focus on advancing the company’s growth strategy with a “strong emphasis on efficiency and customer satisfaction,” the firm said.
Meanwhile, executives said that Kates has been crucial in strengthening Spector & Co.’s sales and strategic partnerships. As president, she will lead revenue growth, product development and marketing strategies.
Meinstein’s professional background includes about five years as vice president of apparel operations at Counselor Top 40 supplier PCNA (asi/66887). He was also previously director of operations at Trimark Canada, among other roles.
Kates’ promo experience has seen her take on a number of leadership positions. Those include vice president of sales at industry software solutions provider commonsku, vice president of sales at apparel supplier Charles River Apparel (asi/44620) and director of marketing and business development at Counselor Top 40 distributor iPROMOTEu (asi/232119).
Based on 2023 North American promotional product revenue of $46.1 million (a 2.1% annual decline compared to 2022), Spector & Co. ranked 40th on Counselor’s most recent list of the largest suppliers in the industry. Spector & Co. is in the portfolio of private equity firm Blue Point Capital Partners, which also holds Counselor Top 40 supplier Next Level Apparel (asi/73867).
Founded in 1950, Spector & Co. is headquartered in Montreal, with offices in Dongguan, China, and throughout North America. The firm employs more than 300 people worldwide, offering writing instruments, journals, Ashbury bags, Scribl custom books, Ora drinkware, luggage and accessories, tech products, travel items, fitness products and home goods.
