Nancy Schmidt is the new CEO of AIA Corporation (asi/109480), the promotional products industry’s 13th-largest distributor. Schmidt replaces outgoing CEO Matt Gresge, a member of Counselor’s Power 50.

Nancy Schmidt, CEO, AIA

On May 1, the board of directors for Appleton, WI-based AIA Corporation announced that it had appointed Schmidt as CEO following her successful two years with AIA. During that time, she served as vice president of finance and, most recently, chief financial officer. Schmidt will be the first woman to serve as CEO at AIA.

“Nancy has been ingrained in every aspect of AIA’s business and is the architect behind the organization’s strong financial teams and infrastructure,” said John Rompon, a member of AIA’s board of directors. “Her contributions thus far have enabled AIA to keep pace in — and stay ahead of — this rapidly changing industry. I have no doubt that as CEO she will successfully lead and support the resilience and growth of the AIA community.”

While serving as AIA’s CFO, Schmidt worked closely with marketing, operations, sales, owner success and technology team leaders to build relationships, develop growth strategies, analyze risk, build financial forecasts and lead teams to optimal functionality and performance, Rompon said.

Going forward, Schmidt will manage all aspects of AIA’s business, including profit and loss accountability and organizational management and development. As CEO, she’ll be tasked with driving the execution of the strategic plan, which includes leading AIA through its next stage of growth.

Matt Gresge was AIA’s previous CEO.

Working closely with the leadership team, Schmidt will strive to create solutions that facilitate the success of AIA’s distributors, while attracting more distributor firms to join the AIA community. Providing advanced technology that streamlines operations and sales for distributors will be a keen focus for Schmidt and AIA leadership, executives said.

“I’m honored and thrilled to lead AIA and usher in a season of resilience, stability and, ultimately, growth,” said Schmidt. “I remain focused on helping our owners build efficient and profitable businesses and on continuing our team-driven leadership model to provide a strong infrastructure to execute the services the AIA community values most.”

A licensed certified public accountant, Schmidt served as controller and director of enterprise risk management for Werner Electric Supply before joining AIA. Prior to that, the Lakeland University-educated professional was a manager of tax solutions at accounting/consulting firm Schenck SC, where she provided comprehensive tax planning and compliance services to individuals and flow-through entities.

Gresge departs AIA after three-and-a-half years to pursue what the company said is a new leadership opportunity. Under his direction, AIA upgraded its technology, modernized marketing programs and opened a new headquarters in Appleton, WI. AIA also grew sales. For instance, AIA’s 2018 North American sales were up 8.2% over the prior year to nearly $190 million. Gresge had become a fixture on Counselor’s Power 50, the definitive ranking of the most influential people in the promo industry. In 2019, he ranked 20, up three places from 2018.

"Leading AIA has been one of the highlights of my career," Gresge told Counselor. "I've met incredible people, helped make a difference and made friendships that will last a lifetime. It's satisfying to pass the leadership baton to Nancy. She's an extraordinary person and a gifted leader. With Nancy at the helm and with one of the industry's most talented leadership teams alongside, the AIA community is in great hands going forward."

Speaking on behalf of the board, Rompon said: “We thank Matt for his contributions to AIA. He worked tirelessly to transform this organization and reestablish its leadership position in the promotional products industry.”

With reported 2018 North American revenue of $189.8 million, AIA ranked 13th on Counselor’s latest list of the largest distributors in the industry. Counselor plans to release the new rankings this summer.