A top-five distributor in the promotional products industry has appointed a new marketing leader to its C-Suite.

Proforma (asi/300094) has named Charity Gibson chief marketing officer of the Ohio-headquartered firm, which has distributor affiliates around the nation.

Charity Gibson, Proforma

Gibson has extensive experience in the promo industry, having most recently been with supplier Peerless Umbrella (asi/76730) as a national account coordinator. She’s known for having a high-profile, influential presence on social media within the industry through her creation of videos, podcasts and other content that delve into trends and more.

“It is no secret that Charity is one of the industry’s top voices as it pertains to marketing and is well-respected as a thought leader and innovator,” says Proforma CEO Vera Muzzillo, a member of Counselor’s Power 50 list of promo’s most influential people. “She brings with her an unrivaled passion and vision for brand development and storytelling, and we are confident that her leadership and strategies will propel our distributors, sales professionals, and end-buyer customers to an entirely new level of success.”

As CMO, Gibson will oversee Proforma’s marketing department, heading up initiatives related to brand positioning, communications, market analysis and research, as well as industry recruitment, customer acquisition, and growth. Gibson will also focus on design input for implementation of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and algorithmic marketing initiatives.

“With more than 20 years in promo, my experience now spans across nearly all channels of the industry,” says Gibson. “There is no one that does technology, training, leadership development, sales growth, supplier relations, and community building better than Proforma. I couldn't be more thrilled for the opportunity to bring my knowledge, skillset, and passion for our medium to this organization full of true champions.”

Gibson’s promo resume includes time as president/CEO of Green Banana Promos, president of Swag on Demand, and co-founder/managing editor of Promo Kitchen, an all-volunteer non-profit organization that promotes education and mentorship in the promotional products industry.

Gibson has been a trade show chair for the Arizona Promotional Products Association, and has served on committees for industry trade group Promotional Products Association International. She’s also on the Specialty Advertising Association of Greater New York’s (SAAGNY) Expo East Planning Committee.

Additionally, Gibson’s industry activities include being a co-host of the Badass Women of Promo podcast.

Based on reported 2022 North American promotional product revenue of $620 million, Proforma ranked fifth on Counselor’s most recent list of the largest distributors in the industry.