News July 09, 2026
S&S Taps Commercial Exec Sean Eckhardt To Lead U.S. Sales
Eckhardt will help advance S&S’s commercial strategy, strengthen partnerships and manage talent, according to the Counselor Top 40 supplier.
Key Takeaways
• Counselor Top 40 supplier S&S (asi/84358) has appointed Sean Eckhardt as senior vice president of U.S. sales, bringing nearly 30 years of commercial leadership experience.
• Eckhardt takes over for Jim Sturgell, who recently announced his retirement after helping guide S&S through its integration of alphabroder.
• In his new role, Eckhardt will oversee S&S’s national sales organization, focusing on commercial strategy, customer partnerships and sales team development.
S&S (asi/84358) has a new sales leader – and he comes to the Counselor Top 40 supplier from outside the promo industry.
The company has appointed 30-year commercial sales veteran Sean Eckhardt as senior vice president of U.S. sales, bringing nearly three decades of leadership experience to the role, primarily in the alcohol and beverage space. Eckhardt succeeds Jim Sturgell in the position, who recently announced his retirement after helping lead S&S through its transformation following its acquisition of former Counselor Top 40 supplier alphabroder.
Sean Eckhardt, S&S (asi/84358)
Eckhardt most recently served as chief commercial officer at Casa Del Sol Tequila, and has held leadership roles at Bacardi USA and Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits.
“I’m excited to join S&S at such an important time for the business,” Eckhardt said. “The company has built an outstanding reputation for customer service, innovation and execution, and I’m ready to apply my fresh perspective and partner with the team to build on that success. My focus is on listening, learning and working alongside our sales organization to continue delivering exceptional value for our customers.”
In his new role at S&S, Eckhardt will lead the company’s national sales organization, advancing its commercial strategy, strengthening partnerships, investing in talent and delivering greater value to customers, the Bolingbrook, IL-based firm said.
“Sean is an accomplished commercial leader whose collaborative style and customer-first mindset make him a tremendous addition to our team,” S&S Chief Commercial Officer Toby Whitmoyer said. “Finding the right leader for this role was incredibly important, and we’re confident his experience and perspective will help us strengthen our sales organization while staying focused on what matters most – our customers.”
Based on estimated 2024 North American promotional products revenue of $3.6 billion, S&S Activewear ranks second on Counselor’s most recent list of the top suppliers in the industry. New rankings will be released later this month.