The PPAI Board of Directors has named Robert (Bob) McLean Jr., executive vice president, as interim president while the Board launches an executive search to replace outgoing president and CEO Paul Bellantone.

Robert McLean Jr.

“We are incredibly excited that Bob McLean will have the opportunity to lead and work alongside the Board of Directors to ensure a healthy transition of knowledge and leadership,” PPAI Board Chair Todd Pottebaum said in a press release. “And, we are equally thrilled to partner with SearchWide Global to help identify the next president and CEO of PPAI. We are confident in the thoughtful search process to be employed and that PPAI, with the expertise and support of SearchWide Global, will identify the next leader of this organization.”

McLean has worked with PPAI for nearly 13 years, starting as chief financial officer before being promoted to executive vice president in 2011. “I’ve had the privilege of working with Paul Bellantone for the past 13 years,” McLean said. “Our efforts to protect, grow and engage the promotional products industry have been nothing short of incredible and rewarding. I look forward to our continued partnership over the next several weeks of this transition, and I am grateful to the Board of Directors for entrusting me to lead the organization as we work through an executive search.”

In November, PPAI announced that Bellantone will be stepping down in March 2021.