When 4imprint announced back in May that David Seekings planned to retire from his role as chief financial officer by the end of 2025, the Oshkosh, Wisconsin-based distributor stated that a diligent recruitment process would take place to select his replacement. Almost five months later, that process has ended.
- Michelle Brukwicki has been appointed to the position of CFO Designate and will take over the role in a full capacity upon Seekings’ official retirement next year.
- 4imprint (PPAI 107200, Platinum) is PPAI 100’s No. 1 distributor and reported earnings of just north of $1.3 billion in 2023 – both a company and an industry record.
Kevin Lyons-Tarr
CEO, 4imprint
“We’re excited to welcome Michelle to the team,” says Kevin Lyons-Tarr, CEO of 4imprint. “From early on we could see that she brought all the right tools to the table, and as the process progressed, it became clear she was the right person for the job. She not only brings the necessary experience but ,critically, she brings the right leadership approach. We’re all anxious to work with her to ensure a successful transition, and I’ve got no doubt she will play a significant role in the next chapter of the 4imprint story.”
Seekings’ six-month notice of retirement will officially commence December 31, meaning that Brukwicki will be appointed to chief financial officer no later than May 31, 2025.
Michelle Brukwicki
CFO Designate, 4imprint
From Telecommunications To Promo
4imprint’s extensive search eventually took them outside of the promotional products industry where they found Brukwicki, who has spent the last 13 years at TDS Telecommunications, a provider of high-speed internet and phone services that claims to “connect people and technology.”
- Brukwicki most recently served in the same role of chief financial officer at TDS and also held a senior vice president title.
- She joined the company in 2011 as a manager of financial analysis and strategic planning.
- She has also held financial roles at Boeing and Deloitte.
As the promo industry continues to make strides and expand its horizons through digital transformation, Brukwicki will bring experience in the tech industry to her financial role with promo’s e-commerce giant. 4imprint’s digital-first approach and unprecedented advertising campaign has allowed it to grow and expand in recent years.
The long lead time that Seekings has afforded 4imprint will allow for Brukwicki to learn plenty from her predecessor.
“It’s very important that we have a seamless transition, so I’ll be sticking around until May/June 2025,” says Seekings. “During that time, I’ll be working closely with Michelle to make sure that the handover is as smooth as possible.”
David Seekings
Chief Financial Officer, 4imprint
The Departure Of An Industry Veteran
Seekings has been with the 4imprint Group since 1996. His nearly three-decade career has seen him help navigate changes to both 4imprint and the promo industry at large.
- Seekings was an active participant in the process of selecting his successor.
- With potentially eight months until he officially steps down from the company, Seekings will have opportunities to help the distributor make the transition process as smooth as possible.
“I’ve been with the 4imprint Group for close to 28 years, and it’s fair to say there is a big emotional attachment,” Seekings told PPAI Media. “4imprint truly is a great place to work, with a very distinct culture and kind, friendly co-workers.”
He will also step down from the company’s board of directors. Seekings says that being intentional about his retirement will hopefully allow him to take advantage of the next chapter of his life while leaving his employer in good hands.
“I have quite a long list of things I’d like to achieve whilst still in good health, mostly travel or cycling related,” Seekings says. “So it was simply a question of finding the right time for myself and 4imprint.”