Montreal-based Spector & Co. (asi/88660) has hired industry veteran Samantha Kates as the company’s first chief sales officer. In her new role, Kates will head up the firm’s North American sales team.

Samantha Kates, Spector & Co.

Kates brings more than 20 years of industry experience to her new position, including time spent at Top 40 supplier Charles River Apparel (asi/44620) and Fruit of the Loom (asi/84257). Most recently, Kates was the VP of sales at commonsku, a cloud-based CRM, order management and social collaboration platform for the promo industry.

“We’re all excited that Samantha has joined the team,” said Rob Spector, CEO of Spector & Co., in a statement. “She will play a key role as we continue to expand and evolve into the future.”

The company’s latest C-suite appointment is in further support of its growing sales team, according to the firm.

“I feel so fortunate to have joined the Spector team and to have the opportunity to continue to work in the industry I love,” said Kates in a statement. “Spector has an impeccable reputation and is a well-loved and respected company in our industry. I’m thrilled to be part of their team, and to help grow the sales organization and to build upon their customer-centric legacy.”

Headquartered in Montreal, Spector has offices in Dongguan, China, and throughout North America, employing more than 300 people worldwide. Venture Capital firm Blue Point Capital Partners acquired the company in 2018.