An executive with more than a decade of experience at Under Armour is the new vice president of sourcing and product development at Top 40 firm SanMar (asi/84863), the largest supplier in the North American promotional products industry.

The Issaquah, WA-based firm announced the appointment of Dean Draughn to the key leadership position on Tuesday, Nov. 14, sharing that he has 33 years of globally focused logistics/sourcing experience in the entire product lifecycle, from design to distribution.

Dean Draughn, SanMar

“Dean brings a tremendous understanding of global supply chains as an apparel manufacturer in the United States, Honduras and Asia, as well as a buyer and sourcing executive,” said Patrick Noonan, SanMar’s chief product officer. “His global perspective, deep experience and desire to make a difference for our customers are such welcome assets to our product team.”

Prior to joining SanMar, Draughn was vice president of global product supply services at worldwide athletic wear brand Under Armour. His past experience also includes time as a manager at VF Corporation, partner/executive vice president at Perry Manufacturing, and managing partner/chief operating officer at New Wide Enterprise Company Ltd.

Notably, Draughn is a member of the Cotton Board, an administrative arm of the Cotton Research and Promotion Programs that serves as a key liaison to the United States Department of Agriculture.

A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Draughn previously served as an appointed member of the United States Department of Commerce and the Office of the United States Trade Representatives International Trade Advisory Committee for Textiles and Apparel.

Through it all, Draughn has developed deep expertise in leading teams responsible for supply chain management, operations, development, manufacturing, compliance and quality, SanMar said.

“My career has been about driving value across organizations and showing up for my team every single day,” said Draughn. “I’ve been quickly impressed with our team’s dedication and proven record of success. I’m excited to help continue the tradition of making exceptional products that drive positive change.”

Family-owned and -operated, SanMar has nine distribution centers nationwide and apparel from more than 30 brands. Based on estimated 2022 North American promotional product revenue of $3.4 billion, SanMar ranked first on the most recent list of the largest suppliers in the industry. The company noted that its logistics network is capable of providing one- or two-day delivery to 99.7% of the United States.

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