An experienced promo professional is the new director of sales at Evans Manufacturing (asi/52840).

Alex Symms, who has worked in sales/sales management on the supplier side of the promotional products business for 20 years, has taken over the role at the California-based supplier.

Alex Symms, Evans Manufacturing

Following a January 2023 acquisition, Evans became a subsidiary of Top 40 supplier HPG (asi/61966), the eighth-largest supplier in the North American promo products industry. At the time of the business purchase, Evans ranked as the market’s 29th biggest supplier firm, according to Counselor’s most recent Top 40 rankings.

“I am very excited to add Alex to the HPG award-winning sales team and know that with his vast experience he will lead the Evans sales team to further success,” said Trina Bicknell, chief revenue officer at HPG.

Alan Vaught, the co-founder and longtime leader of Evans, announced in May that he is retiring effective June 30. Symms is not replacing Vaught. HPG is in the process of filling a general manager role that would be a replacement for Vaught, executives told ASI Media.

Symms, who lives in the Houston area, comes to Evans after having most recently been a national account manager with Powerstick.com (asi/51566). Prior to that, he spent around seven years with Chameleon Like (asi/44558) in roles that included national account manager and digital marketing manager. Other past positions include being a regional sales manager for KTI Promo (asi/63776).

Symms, who shared that he’s a father of two teenage boys active in baseball and rugby, is pumped to be joining Evans.

“I’ve had the good fortune of partnering with all functions of the manufacturing sector throughout my career, including R&D, sales and marketing, and leadership and management,” said Symms. “I’m excited to join an incredible team of forward-thinking leaders that take corporate branded merchandise to an enhanced level with industry-leading products and award-winning service.”

Symms described himself as one who embraces technology, including artificial intelligence, to drive sales performance – something he plans to continue with his leadership at Evans.

“I learned a long time ago that you either adapt to change, or get left behind,” said Symms.

Counselor’s new rankings of the 40 largest suppliers in promo are due out in July.