Next Level Apparel (272027, Standard Plus) has shaken up its leadership team following the departure of former CEO Randy Hales in 2023.
- Joe Simsolo, who founded the California-based company in 2003, has officially returned to the role of CEO in after holding it on an interim basis since last August.
- Additionally, his son, Eric, has been promoted to company president after previously serving as vice president of business development.
- The father/son leadership team was selected by the Next Level Apparel’s board.
Prior to his return to the CEO role in 2023, Joe had stepped away from the company’s day-to-day operations while remaining on the board. Eric has been with Next Level in an official capacity for over nine years.
“We have brought together a strong team and added gifted leaders,” says Eric. “We are positive in the value we can offer to distributors and are keen to demonstrate that.”
Part Of A Larger Restructuring
Appointing the Simsolos to the top of the company’s leadership is the headline among a number of recent leadership changes in Next Level’s corporate structure in 2024.
- In April, the supplier hired Brett Bjorkman as chief operating officer.
Bjorkman previously served as senior vice president of Augusta Sportswear Brands for three years and has navigated sourcing and operations in leadership positions for Hurley and Billabong.
- In March, Michael Niemann was hired to the role of senior director of product.
Niemann has held various leadership roles with apparel companies including six years as director of apparel at Quicksilver.
Turning Things Around
In the years since the pandemic struck, Next Level Apparel has seen sales decline. With a nearly complete overhauling of leadership in 2024, Eric says that strategic plans are in place to begin showing signs of growth. Key focuses going forward will include:
- Core groupings and product lines
- Aggressive pricing at guaranteed rates
- Emphasis on product quality and customer service.
- Improved marketing campaigns
“We plan to innovate while building on a sturdy foundation,” Eric says. “With high-quality products, best inventory levels, aggressive pricing and successful marketing and sales strategies, we are positive in our business prospects.”
