PPAI has its next staff leader.

Drew Holmgreen joins the Association from Meeting Professionals International, the world’s largest association for meeting and events professionals, where he most recently served as Chief Experience Officer. He brings more than two decades of experience in strategic leadership, inclusion, brand development, experiential innovation, and organizational growth.

His start date will be Jan. 10, and he will be present and involved at The PPAI Expo 2025, set to take place at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, January 13-16.

Together, we’ll elevate the role of promotional products as an essential part of the global marketing mix and continue driving forward the creativity, impact, and joy that define this industry.”

Drew Holmgreen

New President & CEO, PPAI

“I am truly honored to join and lead PPAI, an organization with a 121-year legacy of excellence and innovation in the promotional products industry,” Holmgreen says. “This industry and its community thrive on creating moments of connection and joy, and I’m excited to work alongside the talented PPAI team, its members, and partners to build on this strong foundation.

“Together, we’ll elevate the role of promotional products as an essential part of the global marketing mix and continue driving forward the creativity, impact, and joy that define this industry.”

In his role at MPI, Holmgreen managed global strategies, enhanced member experiences, and drove significant revenue growth. He also served as MPI’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Executive Lead, embedding DEI principles into the organization and its community’s strategies and operations, fostering a culture of inclusivity and creating initiatives that support equity across the industry.

Holmgreen resides in North Texas, home to PPAI headquarters. He originally joined MPI in 2017 as senior director of marketing and communications. Prior to that, he worked at Dallas-Fort Worth based Calise Partners, where he was executive director of client services.

He is a 1998 graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, earning a bachelor’s degree in advertising.

Andrew Spellman, CAS, Chair of the PPAI Board of Directors and Vice President of Corporate Markets for Therabody, notified PPAI staff and members of the decision on Thursday.

Andrew Spellman, CAS

Board Chair, PPAI

“Drew is a visionary leader with a deep understanding of the dynamics of member-driven organizations,” Spellman says. “His experience and passion for innovation make him uniquely suited to lead PPAI and create value for our members and the industry as a whole.”

As board chair, Spellman oversaw a four-person executive search committee made up of the 2025 PPAI Executive Committee members. Included were Denise Taschereau, who will take over as Chair at the conclusion of The PPAI Expo in January, as well as Danny Rosin, who will become Incoming Chair, and Zack Ottenstein, who is set to be Vice-Chair, Finance Services.

The search began in July and concluded with a unanimous vote to approve Holmgreen by the PPAI Board of Directors last week.

The Board was seeking a candidate who could drive even greater PPAI member value by implementing ideas from other best-in-class associations, elevating The PPAI Expo, and articulating a vision to extend the promotional products industry’s reach in the broader marketing ecosystem.”

Denise Taschereau

Incoming Board Chair, PPAI

“Drew’s unique blend of marketing agency leadership, association leadership, and promotional products experience makes him an ideal CEO for PPAI,” says Taschereau, the CEO of Canadian distributor Fairware. “The Board was seeking a candidate who could drive even greater PPAI member value by implementing ideas from other best-in-class associations, elevating The PPAI Expo, and articulating a vision to extend the promotional products industry’s reach in the broader marketing ecosystem. The PPAI Board is confident Drew will do a terrific job for the association and the industry.”

Holmgreen will succeed Dawn Olds, MAS, who has served as interim president and CEO of PPAI since July, when the Board instituted a transition plan following the three-year leadership term of Dale Denham, MAS+, who last week was announced as the CEO of industry business services provider eXtendTech.

Holmgreen is set to meet the PPAI staff for the first time next week.

Outside of his professional life, Holmgreen enjoys spending time with his wife of 20 years, their son, and their pets. Described as a lifelong adventurer, he is often found running, hiking, or exploring craft breweries in his downtime.

Written by: Josh Ellis

Published with Permission from PPAI