Fred Durand and Chris Alfano return in strategic C-level roles
July 20, 2023 (Avenel, NJ): Vantage Apparel, award-winning decorator and
industry top source for custom logo apparel, announces the return of
Christopher Alfano, an 11-year industry veteran, to the organization as its
new Chief Digital Officer (CDO). Alfano rejoins the Vantage team after two
years with the top 40 distributor, AIA Corporation.
Over his impressive career, Alfano has distinguished himself as a driving
force in the digital transformation and modernization of operational systems
and infrastructure. In his initial nine years at Vantage, Chris served as
Chief Technology Officer, responsible for modernizing their ERP system and
spearheading the critical shift toward more effective and efficient digital
processes.
Alfano said, "I'm incredibly excited to return to Vantage Apparel and
contribute to the ongoing digital transformation. I aim to use my experience
and expertise to enhance our e-commerce capabilities, deepen our
partnerships, and support our distributors with more robust and seamless
integrations. It's an exciting time for Vantage, and I'm thrilled to be part
of it."
Alfano joins Fred Durand, Vantage’s Chief Operating Officer, who was brought
back earlier in the year to head up all production, sourcing, IT, customer
service and digital operations teams. Fred’s first run with Vantage included
a nine-year tenure and put him at the forefront of several leadership roles
including Director of Customer Service and VP of E-Commerce.
Over the last 15 years, Durand has held C-level positions outside of the
promotional products industry, leading operations, and e-commerce for global
consumer goods brands.
“The recent hires are in line with Vantage's commitment to bolstering its
digital capacities in response to the evolving needs of the industry. Chris'
experience and innovative leadership will now be channeled into enhancing
Vantage's e-commerce platforms, streamlining distributor integrations, and
cultivating strategic partnerships through their newly established Digital
Sales Operations team," said Ira Neaman, President. “Fred has a strong
technology background, experience running large scale manufacturing
operations and a passion for fostering excellence throughout an
organization. In his first 6 months, he implemented significant process
enhancements to give our service and operations teams more visibility to
real-time information, access to technology benefits, and ultimately an
overall better order experience.”
Vantage Apparel has been a leading innovator in the promotional apparel
industry since 1977. With over 1,200 embroidery heads, Vantage is the
largest apparel decorator in North America and has won the PPAI award for
embroidery for 28 years in a row as well as the ASI Distributor Choice award
for decorated apparel for 13 years. The creator of Logogevity™, their
single-vendor solution for custom logo apparel includes leading retail
brands Polo Ralph Lauren and Greg Norman Collection, as well as proprietary
labels Vantage and Vansport. The top 3 wholesalers ship FREE freight, no
minimums to any of Vantage’s 3 facilities. In September 2019, Vantage was
voted Best Place to Work in the promotional products industry by the
Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI) and in 2021 acquired leading European
corporate apparel supplier, Lynka.
About Vantage Apparel
Vantage Apparel has been a leading innovator in the promotional apparel
industry since 1977. With over 1,200 embroidery heads, Vantage is the
largest apparel decorator in North America and has won the PPAI award for
embroidery for 28 years in a row as well as the ASI Distributor Choice award
for decorated apparel for 13 years. The creator of Logogevity™, their
single-vendor solution for custom logo apparel includes leading retail
brands Polo Ralph Lauren and Greg Norman Collection, as well as proprietary
labels Vantage and Vansport. The top 3 wholesalers ship FREE freight, no
minimums to any of Vantage’s 3 facilities. In September 2019, Vantage was
voted Best Place to Work in the promotional products industry by the
Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI) and in 2021 acquired leading European
corporate apparel supplier, Lynka.
For more information, please visit our website.