Imperial (PPAI 133496, Gold), a Missouri-headquartered apparel and headwear supplier that focuses on the golf market, has promoted David Shaffer to president.
- Founded in 1916, the direct-to-consumer company is also a significant supplier of blank headwear used in the promotional market, primarily through Sportsman Cap & Bag.
- Schaffer has spent 13 years with Imperial and most recently served the role of senior vice president of sales.
“I am excited for my new position and the future of Imperial,” says Shaffer. “Leading the Imperial brand and our team is an honor. I’m looking forward to developing our business, great products and strong partnerships for years to come.”
A former NCAA Division I golfer himself at Northwestern University, Shaffer has become a veteran in the market; Imperial has worked with the Professional Golf Association of America through the PGA Championship, the U.S. Open and the Ryder Cup and other events.
In the new leadership role, he will put his primary focuses on the company’s areas of:
- Licensing
- Direct-to-consumer
- Imperial’s golf, corporate, destination and leisure businesses
As president, Shaffer will report directly to CEO Todd Johnson, who has been with Imperial for more than 35 years.
“David is a dynamic executive with a strong track record of building the Imperial brand,” says Johnson. “He embodies all the qualities and characteristics we look for in a leader, as well as the Imperial brand.”
“I have no doubt David will continue to grow our brand, while delivering value to our customers and positively impact the communities we serve.”
Shaffer was in a leadership role with Imperial when it was sold to the investment firm CPC in 2021, helping guide the 100-year company through the transition. Earlier this year, Imperial purchased the headwear brand Pukka.
