Norm Hullinger Joins BELLA+CANVAS as COO

BELLA+CANVAS names Norm Hullinger as the company’s chief operating officer. Most recently, Hullinger was CEO at alphabroder, one of the largest wholesale apparel distributors in the promotional products industry, a role he held since 2012.

Before becoming CEO, Hullinger served as alphabroder’s COO for 10 years, following a career that included executive roles at both technology and retail companies.

BELLA+CANVAS has seen growth in recent years, requiring investments to expand its global operating infrastructure. In the past 12 months, the company has added operations in five countries, expanded its Los Angeles cutting facility, and added a 750,000-square-foot distribution center on the East Coast to support its wholesale distribution partners.

Chris Blakeslee, BELLA+CANVAS president, comments, “The growth of our business necessitated the creation of the COO role, and for us, the choice was simple. I personally had the privilege to work closely with Norm for several years at alphabroder and witnessed his leadership, professionalism, and drive for results. It’s now my pleasure to welcome him, on behalf of the entire BELLA+CANVAS team, to join our company, where he’ll lead our pursuit for operational excellence and unparalleled service that exceeds our customers’ expectations.”

Hullinger adds, “My relationship with BELLA+CANVAS goes back nearly 15 years, and I’ve admired what the company and team has accomplished both as a partner and as an industry disruptor. I’m excited to now lead the efforts which will solidify the company’s infrastructure as it becomes the largest basics brand in the industry.”