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Charles River Apparel Makes Organizational Changes

The Sharon, MA-based supplier has made key promotions and hires to better serve its customer base.

Charles River Apparel (asi/44620) is making some changes.

In an effort to better serve its customers, the Sharon, MA-based supplier has updated its leadership team: promoting former Marketing Director Jason Lipsett to vice president of strategic initiatives and hiring Tejinder Virk as vice president of supply chain. Over the last few months, the company says it’s hired several new employees in marketing, supply chain and information technology, including Pamela Preuss, Theresa Carey, Lucy Barajas and Trevor Hetherton.

Jason Lipsett (left) and Tejinder Virk

Jason Lipsett (left) and Tejinder Virk of Charles River Apparel (asi/44620)

The organizational changes are meant to mark the start of a new era for the 41-year-old company, positioning it to adapt to changing economical and industry landscapes. Lipsett will continue to oversee marketing while also fueling efforts with the leadership team to advance strategic planning, spearhead key projects, and nurture organizational development and culture.

“As a family business, we believe our success boils down to our incredible team,” said Lipsett. “We’re energized by the exciting changes happening within the organization and see numerous opportunities as we continue to evolve the organization with forward-thinking strategies.”

Virk brings two decades of experience in supply chain, product development, sourcing, production management and manufacturing with global brands. In his role as vice president of supply chain, Virk will work closely with Lipsett to continue the company’s legacy of providing award-winning apparel.

“The apparel and textile industry has been my professional DNA on the senior management level for over two decades,” said Virk. “Charles River Apparel’s product line is well within my professional expertise and certainly a catalyst in my decision to take on the challenge to head the supply chain compounded by the longevity and history of the company. I am looking forward to the privilege of managing and executing Charles River Apparel’s supply chain process.”

Preuss, hired as a marketing manager, brings over 17 years of experience in the branding and marketing of apparel and footwear products. Working alongside Lipsett, Preuss will lead the effective communication of these initiatives to the company’s national customer base.

In addition, Carey was hired as apparel product developer, and Barajas joined the company as product manager. Both will work with Virk to uphold Charles River Apparel’s promise of providing quality products.

Hetherton was hired as information technology operations manager and will work with Jeison Ortega, Charles River’s chief technology officer, to ensure a safe and secure customer experience.

Last year, Charles River Apparel promoted Sharon Steed to director of sales. At the time, the supplier said she would be overseeing its multi-line sales team and managing business with buying groups and national accounts.

Founded in 1983, Charles River Apparel creates New England-inspired outerwear and activewear for corporations, businesses, school teams, retail stores, athletic groups and college students, with more than 13,000 distributors and retailers nationwide. A third-generation family-owned company, Charles River Apparel is also known for its robust charitable giving program, Charles River Cares, which was founded in 2010.