Top 40 distributor National Pen Company (asi/281040) has named Peter Kelly as the company’s new CEO. Dave Thompson, the former CEO, will retain his role as board chairman. 

Kelly joined National Pen in 2006 and has served as senior vice president and managing director of National Pen’s European operations, during which the company’s European business tripled revenue and quadrupled profits. Prior to National Pen he spent a decade in senior leadership capacities for Ulster Weavers Apparel Ltd., Lamont Holdings Plc., Ulster Carpet Mills, Ltd. and other organizations.

“Peter is the right man at the right time to take the reins of this great company,” said Thompson, a member of last year’s Counselor Power 50 list. “His global operational and marketing experience combined with a deep commitment to our culture of service will drive our continued double-digit annual growth rate. I could not have picked a better successor.”

Thompson joined National Pen in 2008 and held the titles of president, CEO and chairman of the board. Under his leadership, the company has organically grown its revenue from $165 million in 2009 to $300 million this year. According to data from Counselor’s upcoming State of the Industry issue, National Pen ranks as one of the 10 largest distributors in the industry and reported $150 million in North American promotional product revenue in 2015, a decline of $10 million from the previous year.

“Dave has been remarkable at the helm of National Pen Company, having nearly doubled revenues globally for the company with impressive profit margins over the past seven years,” said Kelly. “This is a testament to the unique offerings and personalized care we’re able to provide small to mid-sized businesses around the world; feats unmatched in our industry. I sincerely appreciate the trust and confidence he, National Pen Company’s Board of Directors and our amazing worldwide team of dedicated employees have placed upon me. I look forward to what we’ll accomplish together.”