Promotional Products Association International (PPAI), the industry’s trade association, has named promo veteran Dawn Olds as its interim president and chief executive officer.

The move comes after PPAI parted ways with Dale Denham, who had been president/CEO since August 2021.

Dawn Olds, PPAI

PPAI said that Olds is the first woman to lead PPAI in the organization’s 121-year history.

“Dawn brings a wealth of experience, leadership acumen above reproach and a deep understanding of the promotional products industry, making her exceptionally qualified to guide and lead PPAI through an upcoming interim period in PPAI’s leadership,” said Andrew Spellman, chair of PPAI’s board of directors, in announcing the leadership change to the industry.

Olds has about 35 years of experience in promo, having built a career in the business with Counselor Top 40 distributor HALO Branded Solutions (asi/356000). She’s well known throughout the merch market for her executive leadership and her volunteer work on behalf of the sector.

She has served on the PPAI Board of Directors, including time as chair. In addition, she was previously a volunteer on PPAI’s professional development committee.

Olds formally retired from HALO in early 2024. Over the years, she helped propel innovation at HALO across accounting, information technology and operations. She was at the center of more than 20 HALO acquisitions, executives said.

In her last role as senior vice president of industry relations and DEI at HALO, Olds constructed HALO’s corporate communication and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) practices, executives said.

“I respect Dawn for her work at HALO and on the PPAI board, appreciate her experience and look forward to working with her for the betterment of the entire industry,” said Tim Andrews, president and chief executive officer of ASI.

PPAI said that Olds will guide the association as the organization looks for a permanent replacement for Denham.

Denham came to PPAI after serving as chief information officer and senior vice president for Counselor Top 40 distributor Geiger (asi/202900). Prior to joining Geiger, Denham was a senior vice president at ASI.

At PPAI, Denham took over for Robert (Bob) McLean Jr., who had been serving as interim president. Denham became the full-time replacement for Paul Bellantone, PPAI’s former permanent CEO/president, who left the organization in March 2021. Bellantone became an executive with HALO.

PPAI credited Denham for overseeing the return of The PPAI Expo after the COVID-19 pandemic, among other accomplishments. “His positive contributions,” Spellman said, “to the association are recognized and appreciated.”