News October 31, 2025
Next Level Apparel Appoints New CEO
Brett Bjorkman will succeed outgoing CEO and founder Joe Simsolo following his retirement.
Key Takeaways
• Brett Bjorkman has been appointed CEO of Counselor Top 40 supplier Next Level Apparel (asi/73867), succeeding founder Joe Simsolo, who is retiring. Bjorkman brings over 30 years of apparel industry experience and has served as the company’s chief operating officer.
• Under Bjorkman’s leadership, the company will focus on international expansion, supply chain diversification and deepening its commitment to sustainability and traceability.
Next Level Apparel (asi/73867) is ready for the next chapter of its leadership story.
The Counselor Top 40 supplier announced that it has appointed Brett Bjorkman as its new CEO following the retirement of founder and outgoing CEO Joe Simsolo. Bjorkman previously held the position of chief operating officer.
Counselor Top 40 supplier Next Level Apparel (asi/73867) announced that Brett Bjorkman will succeed Joe Simsolo as CEO.
“After decades of building Next Level Apparel, I’m proud to pass the baton to Brett, who brings the perfect balance of brand insight and operational rigor to this role,” Simsolo said. “Over the past 18 months, he has immersed himself in every part of the company and is ready to lead us forward – continuing our commitment to sustainability, innovation and excellence. As I step into retirement, I do so knowing the company is in capable hands and that Brett will honor our legacy while taking Next Level beyond what we ever imagined.”
Bjorkman has more than 30 years of experience in the apparel space, having worked at Nike, Boardriders and Augusta Sportswear, now known as Momentec Brands (asi/37461), before joining Next Level Apparel. Since his time with Next Level, he’s made it his mission to strengthen operational efficiency and reinforce the company’s commitment to sustainability and traceability.
“Premium is behavior,” Bjorkman said. “It’s about doing things right, making products that last and proving it. That philosophy guides every part of Next Level Apparel – from sourcing fabrics responsibly to serving customers – and will continue to shape the company as it grows, ensuring it remains the most trusted and responsive platform for premium blank apparel worldwide.”
Next Level Apparel said in its announcement that, under Bjorkman’s leadership, the company will look to expand its presence internationally and diversify its supply chain, as well as strengthen relationships with compliance and provenance organizations like FLA, Altana and Oritain.
After spending some time at other ventures, Simsolo stepped in as interim CEO in late 2023, with the position becoming permanent in 2024. His son Eric was promoted to company president last year as well.
Next Level ranked seventh on Counselor’s most recent list of the top suppliers in the industry, with North American promotional products revenue of $282 million.