Next Level Apparel (asi/73867), the eighth-largest supplier by revenue in the North American promotional products market, has hired a new chief executive officer with a track record of success across multiple industries.

Randall Hales (pictured) has joined the Gardena, CA-based firm as co-CEO. He’ll be serving in that role alongside founder and longtime CEO Joe Simsolo, who’ll be transitioning out of the day-to-day management of the company during 2021. Simsolo will remain an adviser, board member and shareholder following his pullback from daily leadership.

“We are excited that Randy will serve as our new CEO,” said Simsolo, who along with his son Eric (Next Level’s director of business development), placed 30th on Counselor’s 2020 Power 50, a definitive ranking of promo’s most influential people. Simsolo continued: “The experience and knowledge that Randy brings to our company will certainly enhance our ability to provide customers with not only the best products, but also the best service in the industry.”

Next Level executives said Hales brings extensive business experience in leadership, strategic planning and execution, business development, manufacturing, product management, marketing, sales and global operations. They noted that he’s led both private equity-backed ventures and public companies.

That track record includes serving as president and CEO of First Scientific (pharmaceutical), Back to Basics Inc. (kitchen appliances), Mity Enterprises Inc. (furniture systems) and ZAGG Inc. (mobile accessories). During Hales’ seven years at ZAGG, the company grew from an entrepreneurial startup to more than $500 million in worldwide revenue.

“I feel very fortunate to be joining the Next Level team to build on the current momentum and help the company achieve its goals,” Hales said. “Innovative products, targeted distribution and enhanced service will be key drivers of revenue and profitability as the company continues to grow.”

Joe Simsolo is founder of Next Level Apparel and a member of Counselor’s Power 50, a ranking of the most influential people in promo.

In 2018, Utah Business magazine recognized Hales as its CEO of the Year for his work at ZAGG. Mity Enterprises was twice recognized as Utah Manufacturer of the Year under his leadership. Additionally, Hales earned Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year in 2004 while at Back to Basics, a business that made Inc. magazine’s fastest-growing companies list three times under Hales’ leadership.

Since 2013, Hales has been a Fellow with the National Association of Corporate Directors. He’s also served on 16 boards across a variety of industries. He has volunteering experience with Make-A-Wish America and the Foundation Board of Boise State University.

Since launching Next Level Apparel in 2003, Joe Simsolo has built the firm into a promo powerhouse. Known for its fashion-forward garments and super-soft fabrics, Next Level debuted on Counselor’s list of the industry’s 40 largest suppliers in 2018. The company’s reported 2019 North American promo revenue of $228.3 million was good enough to earn Next Level the number eight spot on Counselor’s 2020 Top 40 supplier list.