Top 40 supplier HPG (asi/61966) is making a bigger push into sustainability with the promotion of one of its longtime executives.

The Braintree, MA-based firm has promoted Jing Rong to vice president of supply chain and sustainability, a new, expanded role that encompasses the company’s sustainability initiatives. Rong has been HPG’s supply chain and compliance leader for the past seven years and serves on HPG’s executive leadership team. She has also served on PPAI’s Product Responsibility Action Group (PRAG) for two years.

Jing Rong, HPG

“I’m super excited to build HPG’s sustainability roadmap and work across HPG brands to execute the vision,” Rong said. “Sustainability is a topic I’m personally passionate about, and I appreciate the support from HPG to dedicate more time and resources to this in a more significant way.”

Chris Anderson, HPG CEO and a member of the Counselor Power 50 list of the most influential people in promo, was enthusiastic about the Rong’s promotion: “Jing has the well-earned reputation for being a very effective operator within HPG. I’m thrilled that this new role allows HPG to take broader advantage of Jing’s talents and experience – particularly in the critical area of sustainability.”

He added that the new position dovetails with HPG’s ongoing efforts to “grow greener,” noting that its January acquisition of Evans Manufacturing helped the supplier increase the number of its domestically manufactured and assembled SKUs. Anderson also noted that HPG plans to reveal more than 50 new sustainability-focused products in January.

“With Jing leading the charge, HPG’s sustainability growth will only accelerate,” Anderson said.

Rong has a bachelor’s degree in computer science and engineering from Lehigh University, a bachelor’s in supply chain management from Lehigh University College of Business and a master’s in business administration and management from Babson College’s F.W. Olin Graduate School of Business. Prior to joining HPG, Rong worked as senior supply chain manager for Fortive’s Automation & Specialty Platform.

Sustainability has become top of mind for the promotional products industry, with a number of Top 40 firms showing their commitment to environmental, social and governance (ESG) initiatives by releasing their first-ever annual sustainability reports this year and making commitments to reduce emissions or go carbon neutral.

Founded in 2017, HPG ranks eighth in Counselor’s most recent list of top suppliers, with 2022 North American promotional products revenue of $268.8 million.

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