Top 40 supplier Goldstar (asi/73295) has appointed Heather Smartt as global director of merchandising, with the company noting that Smartt’s talent for bridging the North American and European markets will be a key driver in Goldstar’s global product expansion.

In her new role, the top objectives include advancing Goldstar’s commitment to manufacturing alternatives, expanding product categories and enhancing global product design. Under her leadership, the company says it will be unveiling a four-piece Coastal Threads bag collection designed in Europe and crafted with Repreve ocean-recycled plastic.

Heather Smartt, global director of merchandising at Goldstar

“I am deeply honored to lead Goldstar’s global product development efforts,” Smartt said. “My goal is to leverage my experience in both North America and Europe to create products that meet the needs of our diverse customer base and align with our commitment to sustainability. Together with our talented team, we will help expand how the world perceives promotional products.”

Smartt, who began her career at Crate and Barrel, has 17 years of experience in the promotional products industry, including several years working in various positions at Top 40 supplier PCNA (asi/66887). She’s currently based in Lisbon, Portugal, where she’s been supporting Goldstar’s worldwide reach as the global director of product development.

The San Diego-headquartered supplier of writing instruments, drinkware and bags is owned by Top 40 distributor Cimpress (asi/162149), whose other companies include Vistaprint and National Pen. Goldstar ranks 34^th on this year’s list of top suppliers in the industry, with 2022 North American promotional products revenue of $57.1 million.