PPAI Announces Departure of President/CEO Paul Bellantone

By Brendan Menapace

Paul Bellantone, CAE, president and CEO of PPAI, announced that he will step down before his contract extension on April 1, 2021.

PPAI, Irving, Texas, announced today that CEO and president Paul Bellantone will step down in March 2021.

“The past 20-plus years have been nothing short of extraordinary,” Bellantone said in a press release. “This decision was not easy, but I am confident knowing that our strong staff and dedicated Board of Directors have PPAI in a solid position to move forward to protect, grow and engage the promotional products industry.”

Bellantone told the PPAI board in October that he planned to step down before his next contract extension began on April 1, 2021.

“The Board and countless others in the industry are so grateful for Paul’s many years of leadership and dedication to serve and engage the industry,” PPAI Board Chair Ira Neaman, MAS, said in the release. “Under his leadership, PPAI has grown and evolved into one of the most respected associations worldwide. I am truly thankful for all Paul has done for PPAI, including instilling a strong ‘confidence to evolve’ mentality among the PPAI Board, staff and volunteer corps.”

“Paul has been an inspirational leader and advocate of the PPAI community and the industry,” added PPAI executive vice president Robert McClean, Jr. “Due to his tireless leadership and team building, our staff and volunteer leaders are well-positioned for this change and to continue to move the Association forward.”

Bellantone has been actively involved the promotional products industry through PPAI initiatives like Legislative Education and Action Day (LEAD), as well as overseeing the association through periods of uncertainty and difficulty.

“It has been a pleasure to serve the association, and I am tremendously appreciative of the opportunities I have been given and for the relationships I have built during my time with PPAI,” Bellantone said. “It is no secret that this has been a challenging year for many, both personally and professionally. But with such challenges come opportunities to evolve and thrive. That’s why I believe this is not only the right time for me, but the best time for PPAI.”

For more information on PPAI, visit www.ppai.org.